double-talk
or dou·ble·talk
[ duhb-uhl-tawk ]
/ ˈdʌb əlˌtɔk /
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noun
speech using nonsense syllables along with words in a rapid patter.
deliberately evasive or ambiguous language: When you try to get a straight answer, he gives you double-talk.
verb (used without object)
to engage in double-talk.
verb (used with object)
to accomplish or persuade by double-talk.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of double-talk
An Americanism dating back to 1935–40
OTHER WORDS FROM double-talk
double-talker, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use double-talk in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for double-talk
double talk
noun
rapid speech with a mixture of nonsense syllables and real words; gibberish
empty, deceptive, or ambiguous talk, esp by politicians
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with double-talk
double talk
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.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.