weasel words

plural noun

1. informal,  intentionally evasive or misleading speech; equivocation

Other Word Forms

• weasel-worded 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

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When he even pretended to be moderate on abortion with his weasel words around the Florida ban, anti-choice activists threw a fit.

Read more on Salon

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

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“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.

Read more on Seattle Times

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

Read more on Seattle Times