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• double-talk
  double-talk

  noun

  speech using nonsense syllables along with words in a rapid patter.
• double talk
  double talk

  noun

  rapid speech with a mixture of nonsense syllables and real words; gibberish

double-talk

American  

[duhb-uhl-tawk] / ˈdʌb əlˌtɔk /

Or doubletalk

noun

1. speech using nonsense syllables along with words in a rapid patter.

2. deliberately evasive or ambiguous language.

   When you try to get a straight answer, he gives you double-talk.

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verb (used without object)

1. to engage in double-talk.

verb (used with object)

1. to accomplish or persuade by double-talk.

double talk British  

noun

1. rapid speech with a mixture of nonsense syllables and real words; gibberish

2. empty, deceptive, or ambiguous talk, esp by politicians

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double talk Idioms  

1. Meaningless speech, gibberish mixing real and invented words. For example, Some popular songs are actually based on double talk . [1930s]

2. Also, doublespeak . Deliberately ambiguous and evasive language. For example, I got tired of her double talk and demanded to know the true story , or His press secretary was very adept at doublespeak . This usage dates from the late 1940s, and the variant from about 1950.

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Other Word Forms

• double-talker
  noun

Etymology

Origin of double-talk

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Example Sentences

Never has the syndrome been more apparent than in Watson’s head-clutching double talk following the announcement he will sit out 11 games and pay a $5 million fine.

From Washington Post • Aug. 18, 2022

Goodell didn’t use any double talk, no corporate-speak to try to maybe explain why he wouldn’t want to get rid of Skipper Dan.

From Washington Times • Jun. 22, 2022

“I’m quitting because of Shell’s double talk on climate,” Dennet said in a public post on the business networking site LinkedIn.

From Seattle Times • May 23, 2022

On April 24, there’s a clear record of DiSabato requesting help: In an email to Jordan, he pleaded: “You have the platform to cut through the double talk, placation and finger pointing.”

From Slate • Jul. 6, 2018

"Dal, this is no time for double talk and nonsense."

From Star Surgeon by Nourse, Alan Edward