What are Doublespeak Examples

November 29, 2022 9:24 PM
Doublespeak is a language that deliberately obscures, disguises distorts, or reverses the meaning of words. Doublespeak may take the form of euphemisms (e.g., "downsizing" for layoffs and "servicing the target" for bombing), in which case it is primarily meant to make the truth sound more palatable.
Definition:

Doublespeak is a form of language that deliberately obscures, misleads, or confuses the listener. It is often used to make the truth seem less offensive or painful, or to make a statement more confusing than it actually is.

Types : 

  1. Euphemism: 

A word or phrase that is used in place of a more offensive word or phrase. 

  1. Jargon

Words or phrases that are specific to a particular profession or group of people. Jargon is often used in place of more common words to make a statement more confusing. 

For example, the phrase “mortgage-backed securities” is jargon for “investments that are based on mortgages.”

  1. Ambiguity:

Language that can be interpreted in more than one way. Ambiguous language is often used to make promises that can’t be kept or to mislead people. 

For example, the phrase “I will try my best” is ambiguous because it doesn’t commit the speaker to actually doing anything.

Rules : 

There are no hard and fast rules for doublespeak, but there are a few general guidelines to keep in mind:

  1. Choose your words carefully: The words you use should deliberately obscure the meaning of what you’re saying. 

Example, “I don’t like him,” you might say “I don’t have a good feeling about him.”

  1. Be ambiguous: Ambiguous language can be used to make promises that can’t be kept or to mislead people. 

For example, the phrase “I will try my best” is ambiguous because it doesn’t commit the speaker to actually doing anything.

  1. Use euphemisms: Euphemisms are words that replace offensive words or phrases. 

Examples : 

1. "I didn't do it."

2. "I don't know what you're talking about."

3. "That's not what I meant."

4. "I didn't say that."

5. "You're taking things out of context."

6. "I was just joking."

7. "It's not a big deal."

8. "I don't know what you're so upset about."

9. "It's not my fault."

10. "I didn't do it on purpose."

11. "I didn't know that was against the rules."

12. "I was just trying to help."

13. "It's not like I killed someone."

14. "I didn't know it was your stuff."

15. "I didn't know it was your turn."

16. "It was an accident."

17. "I didn't know it was yours."

18. "It was just a joke."

19. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

Conclusion : 

Doublespeak is a form of communication that deliberately disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words. It is often used to make unpleasant or controversial ideas more palatable to the public, or to hide the truth. In conclusion, doublespeak is a tool that can be used to manipulate and deceive people, and it should be avoided whenever possible.