Journalese: meaning, definitions and examples
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journalese
[ ˈdʒɜːrnəˌliːz ]
journalistic writing
Journalese refers to a style of writing that is characteristic of newspapers and other forms of journalism. It often involves the use of jargon, clichés, and sensationalized language. The term can imply a certain lack of depth or accuracy, as it may prioritize brevity and attention-grabbing headlines over thorough reporting. While journalese can make articles more engaging, it is sometimes criticized for being overly simplistic or misleading. Writers are often encouraged to avoid journalese in favor of clearer, more precise expression.
Synonyms
hack writing, journalistic jargon, media slang, newspaper style
Examples of usage
- The article was filled with journalese, making it hard to understand the actual issues.
- Journalese often relies on clichés that can detract from a story's substance.
- Critics argue that journalese can mislead readers about the facts.
- Good journalism should strive to overcome the pitfalls of journalese.
- Many journalists are moving away from journalese to adopt a more straightforward style.
Translations
Translations of the word "journalese" in other languages:
🇵🇹 jornalês
🇮🇳 पत्रकारिता भाषा
🇩🇪 Journalistensprache
🇮🇩 bahasa jurnalis
🇺🇦 журналістська мова
🇵🇱 język dziennikarski
🇯🇵 ジャーナリズム用語
🇫🇷 langage journalistique
🇪🇸 lenguaje periodístico
🇹🇷 gazetecilik dili
🇰🇷 저널리즘 언어
🇸🇦 لغة الصحافة
🇨🇿 žurnalistický jazyk
🇸🇰 žurnalistický jazyk
🇨🇳 新闻语言
🇸🇮 žurnalistični jezik
🇮🇸 fréttamanna tungumál
🇰🇿 басылым тілі
🇬🇪 ჟურნალისტური ენა
🇦🇿 jurnalistika dili
🇲🇽 lenguaje periodístico
Etymology
The term 'journalese' is thought to have emerged in the mid-20th century, combining 'journal' (relating to the print medium of newspapers) with the suffix '-ese,' which signifies a specific language or style characteristic of a particular group. The first known use of the term dates back to the 1960s, during a time when the press began to be scrutinized for its language and the accuracy of reporting. As journalism evolved, so did the style associated with it, leading to both the formalization and deterioration of language usage in media. The increasing prevalence of television and digital media is also believed to have influenced journalistic language, making it more sensational to capture viewers' attention. This shift has fueled ongoing discussions about the integrity and effectiveness of journalistic communication. Despite its criticisms, journalese continues to be a relevant topic in media studies and writing workshops, as educators and writers strive to find a balance between engaging style and clear, factual reporting.