Weasel words are terms or phrases that make statements appear more credible than they really are. They are often used to make a product, service, or idea seem more appealing without providing concrete evidence or clear information. These words can be misleading, as they create a false impression of making things look good.
Why Are They Called “Weasel Words”?
The term comes from the behavior of weasels, which are thought to suck the contents out of an egg, leaving the shell empty but appearing intact by making a small puncture on it. Similarly, weasel words “suck the meaning” out of a statement, leaving it hollow but still seemingly meaningful. The phrase is used metaphorically to describe how these words can drain a statement of its meaning while leaving it superficially intact.
The Origin of Weasel Words
The concept of “weasel words” dates back to the early 20th century. It is often attributed to American author and humorist Stewart Chaplin, who used the term in a 1900 short story published in The Century Magazine. However, the term gained widespread recognition after it was popularized by Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, in a speech he gave in 1916.
Roosevelt criticized the use of vague and misleading language in politics, referring to them as “weasel words,” which he described as words that “suck all the life out of the words next to them, just as a weasel sucks the egg and leaves the shell.” This metaphor got registered in public mind, and it has since been commonly used to describe language that is deliberately vague or deceptive.
Popular Examples of Weasel Words
- “Up to”: “You can save up to 70%!” (This could mean you might save nothing at all. Even a discount of 1% makes the statement technically correct)
- “Helps”: “This drink helps lose weight.” (It suggests a benefit but doesn’t guarantee a specific result.)
- “Virtually”: “Virtually eliminates odors.” (It suggests something close to complete elimination, but not entirely.)
- “Experts say”: “Experts say this is the best product on the market.” (Who are these experts? )
- “Studies show”: “Studies show our supplement improves health.” (Without referencing the studies, this claim is vague.)
- “New and improved”: Often used in product marketing, but the specifics of what’s new or improved are left unclear.
- “Many people believe”: “Many people believe this medicine is a cure for cancer.” (It implies popularity but provides no factual basis.)
- “The best”: “This is the best option for you.” (Best according to whom? There’s no comparative basis.)
These are some of the words frequently used because they sound persuasive while leaving room for ambiguity, allowing advertisers to avoid making definitive or legally binding claims. The next time you make a purchase decision based on any communication, beware of weasel words.
