Gobbledygook: meaning, definitions and examples
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gobbledygook
[ ˈɡɑːbəl.dɪˌɡʊk ]
language use
Gobbledygook refers to language that is meaningless or hard to understand, often characterized by overly complex words and jargon. It is typically used to describe bureaucratic language or technical writing that is difficult for the average person to comprehend. The term was coined during World War II to criticize the convoluted language used in government and military documents. Gobbledygook can hinder communication by obscuring the actual message behind layers of unnecessary verbiage.
Synonyms
blather, doublespeak, gibberish, jargon, nonsense
Examples of usage
- The report was filled with gobbledygook.
- She avoided using gobbledygook in her presentation.
- The lawyer's explanation was total gobbledygook.
Translations
Translations of the word "gobbledygook" in other languages:
🇵🇹 palavras sem sentido
🇮🇳 बेतुकी भाषा
🇩🇪 Kauderwelsch
🇮🇩 bahasa yang tidak jelas
🇺🇦 бессмисло
🇵🇱 bełkot
🇯🇵 意味不明な言葉
🇫🇷 charabia
🇪🇸 palabrería incomprensible
🇹🇷 anlamsız kelimeler
🇰🇷 헛소리
🇸🇦 هراء
🇨🇿 žvásty
🇸🇰 nejasná reč
🇨🇳 无意义的语言
🇸🇮 nejasen jezik
🇮🇸 óskiljanlegur orðaforði
🇰🇿 түсініксіз тіл
🇬🇪 უზმანური ენა
🇦🇿 anlamsız dil
🇲🇽 palabra sin sentido
Etymology
The term 'gobbledygook' was coined by Maury Maverick, a former U.S. Congressman, in 1944. Dissatisfied with the convoluted language often used in government and bureaucratic communications, Maverick sought a way to criticize the complex and confusing nature of such speech. The name itself was inspired by the gobbling noise of turkeys, which he believed represented the nonsensical and pompous nature of the language. The word reflects a broader critique of language that prioritizes complexity over clarity. Over time, gobbledygook has come to signify any verbose or obscure writing that lacks substance, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication in all forms of writing.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #38,476, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.