double-talk

Or dou·ble·talk

[duhb-uhl-tawk]

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.

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in double-talk.

verb (used with object)

1. to accomplish or persuade by double-talk.

double talk

noun

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

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

Other Word Forms

• double-talker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of double talk¹

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Idioms and Phrases

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

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.