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

I found him unpretentious and easygoing in conversation, not given to theoretical double-talk, and with none of the abrasive New York swagger of his contemporaries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

He exposed double-talk, pointed out hypocrisy and could draw laughter with a wide-eyed look of incredulousness or fear.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 8, 2024

All he heard from Emanuel was double-talk and evasion.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2021

I can’t be like the typical politician and double-talk.

From Washington Post • Dec. 8, 2015

“I want to see that ham right here in my home! I don’t want any double-talk this time. If you people want a confession from me, you’d better start paying off.”

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole