weasel words

British  

plural noun

1. informal intentionally evasive or misleading speech; equivocation

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Other Word Forms

• weasel-worded adjective

Etymology

Origin of weasel words

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

Example Sentences

Rather than make direct claims about cures, supplement promoters resort to vague boasts about their products using what the Canadian researchers identify as weasel words that can foster the impression of efficacy.

From Los Angeles Times

"The field is replete with weasel words and unfortunately one of those is consciousness," says Prof Stevan Harnad of Quebec University.

From BBC

“The U.S. has limited itself to blatant weasel words claiming that Julian can ‘seek to raise’ the First Amendment if extradited,” his wife, Stella Assange, said.

From Seattle Times

Stella Assange said the “so-called assurances” were made up of “weasel words.”

From Seattle Times

“Escaping accountability based on weasel words and technical language, like not being a ‘beneficiary’ of WHO assistance is unacceptable,” said Larry Gostin, chair of global health at Georgetown University.

From Seattle Times