weasel words

plural noun

1. informal.
   intentionally evasive or misleading speech; equivocation

Derived Forms

• ˈweasel-ˌworded, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of weasel words¹

C20: alluding to the weasel's supposed ability to suck an egg out of its shell without seeming to break the shell

Example Sentences

Note the weasel words (a term they do actually teach in law school): “affected community.”

From The Daily Beast