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Doublespeak can be classified into several different types. Being able to recognize the different forms doublespeak can take can help you spot doublespeak more easily. |
- euphemism
- words that attempt to soften, hide, or
distort reality by putting the thing
described into a better light, making the
object it describes sound less frightening,
less threatening, or less offensive
euphemism examples - jargon
- specialized language used by a
particular professional, trade, or hobby
group; this specialized language used in
discourse with lay audiences; overly-complex
terms used to impress others
jargon examples - gobbledygook
- many long, sophisticated words (think "gobs
of words") used in long, convoluted
sentences to confuse the audience and hide
the real issue of the discourse
gobbledygook example - inflated language
- puffed-up, important-sounding words used
to give commonplace things and events an
elevated, glowing appearance
examples of inflated language
Sometimes the line between euphemism, jargon, and inflated language becomes blurred, as the following paragraph taken from Lutz's Doublespeak shows:
Teachers are "educators" these days, or "classroom mangers," or "learning facilitators" who possess effective "instructional delivery skills" which they demonstrate in "microteaching sessions." Teaching is called the "learning process" and learning is called "adjusted behavior." Students don't study, they spend "time on task" in their "learning environment."
Did you know that jargon and euphemism do not always fall under the category of doublespeak? Jump to Doublespeak or Not? for more information.
To get an idea of just how much doublespeak we're exposed to each day, follow John Citizen through a typical day.
