weasel word
weasel word · weasel words
A word that negates or removes the meaning of the word it qualifiesA word that negates or removes the meaning of the word it qualifies.
Meaning
2 senses(dated, derogatory)A word that negates or removes the meaning of the word it qualifies.
(derogatory)A word used to hedge a statement, for example to make it vague, equivocal, or misleading.
schwammiger Begriff
an equivocal qualification; a word used to avoid making an outright assertion
Translations
2 languagesDeutsch
word used to qualify or hedge a statement:
Origin
Initially a reference to weasels' practice of making small holes in eggs and then eating tInitially a reference to weasels' practice of making small holes in eggs and then eating the contents, leaving the shell; later sometimes taken as a reference to the weasel's "wriggling, evasive character".
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Forms
plural: weasel words| Singular | weasel word |
|---|---|
| Plural | weasel words |
regular