|
Doublespeak; 1. euphemisms: words which cover up the horror
of regular language to make something seem more acceptable "collateral
damage" instead of "bombing civilians by accident" 2.
jargon, technical language which is improperly used to mislead
and confuse people who are not in that particular profession
or field. 3. gobbledygook, complicated language that makes
it sound like something is being said when nothing is really
being said. Designed to confuse. 4. inflated language is designed
to make something seem more important than it really is. "price
integrity coordinator" instead of "sales clerk."
Emotive (loaded language) is language which subtly and illegitimately
directs the receiver's attitude about something. Check to see
if neutral language could be used instead.
Sneer words: Negative semantics "no, anti-___, fanatic,
fervor, etc."
Purr words: Positive semantics "yes, pro___, moderate,
reasonable, etc."
Euphemism: A word or words which are designed to soften the
harshness of some reality. Example: "servicing the target" instead
of "kill the enemy."
|
Doublespeak is manipulation of language so people think it is
saying something that it is not. It makes bad things look good.
At its best, it makes the ordinary seem wonderful. But at its worst,
it can make even killing innocent people seem acceptable.
(i) Users fees is a way of raising taxes without appearing to
raise taxes.
(ii)POC, which is short for "product of conception." This
is doublespeak for "baby" or "fetus." Even
the term "fetus" is really doublespeak as it is medical
jargon which was not ordinarily used by lay people before the abortion
debate came about.
(iii) Final solution was the Nazi's name for killing people because
they were Jewish.
(iv) Vertical transportation corps is the fancy name (inflated
language) for elevator operators.
(v) Negative patient care outcome is doublespeak for, they died.
Ask yourself whether or not the meaning is completely clear. Is
harsh language being replaced with softer language to mislead?
|
