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.
rapid speech with a mixture of nonsense syllables and real words; gibberish
empty, deceptive, or ambiguous talk, esp by politicians
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.
An Americanism dating back to 1935–40
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
His double-talk and verbal whiplash were stunning in its ineffectiveness, and instead of paving a way forward, left a trail of smoke.
From Salon ● Jun. 10, 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
Such double-talk adds contemporaneity and shading to a literature of gayness previously defined by blunter opposition.
From Slate ● Nov. 28, 2017
“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
His Belichick-like act at the weekly coordinators’ press conference — all double talk and speaking without actually saying anything — was amusing early in the season.
From Washington Times ● Oct. 23, 2023
School officials should stop the double talk and take immediate action to close the construction site or move the children to a safe location.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 23, 2023
“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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
