What Are Weasel Words? | Examples & Definition
Weasel words are expressions that create ambiguity, allowing the speaker to avoid making firm commitments or statements. These words often make claims sound impressive while remaining vague and non-committal.
Studies suggest that taking Vitamin C supplements could lead to less severe illness.
Many people say the economy has improved since I took office.
Weasel words are especially common in persuasive contexts like marketing, advertising, and politics. They are best avoided, though, if you want to establish credibility with your audience.
QuillBot’s Paraphraser can help you choose the appropriate vocabulary for your writing.
What are weasel words?
Weasel words are ambiguous terms or phrases that make statements sound impressive without providing specific commitments or guarantees. These words are often used in rhetoric that is meant to persuade or manipulate. They allow the speaker to avoid direct responsibility or accountability for the claims being made.
The term weasel words originates from the behavior of weasels, who are said to suck out the contents of eggs and leave them appearing whole. Similarly, these empty words leave statements appearing substantial without providing real substance.
Weasel words examples
Weasel words are prevalent in various forms of communication, especially in advertising and marketing. They can mislead audiences by implying promises that aren’t definitively stated.
“Suggests” and “could potentially” imply possible outcomes without confirming effectiveness, allowing advertisers to avoid firm conclusions until further evidence is available.
Weasel words are also commonly used in political contexts.
The word “strive” indicates effort without guaranteeing any specific outcome, allowing the politician to avoid accountability if economic growth is not achieved.
List of weasel words
Some commonly used weasel words include:
- Allegedly
- Appears to
- Arguably
- Can
- Commonly
- Could
- Many
- Seemingly
- Suggests
- Supposedly
- Estimated
- Potentially
Frequently asked questions about weasel words
- What are some examples of weasel words in commercials?
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In commercials, weasel words like “up to,” “virtually,” and “helps” are often used. These words allow companies to make claims about their product without providing details that could later be challenged.
For instance, “This cream helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles” implies assistance without guaranteeing wrinkle elimination.
Use QuillBot’s Paraphrasing Tool to find ways to express your exact meaning and avoid ambiguous language.
- What are some examples of weasel words?
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Common weasel words include:
- May
- Tends to
- Some
- Often
- Possibly
- Virtually
- Helps
- Up to
- Like
- Reportedly
These words allow a speaker or writer to avoid making firm commitments or statements that might later be challenged.
Try QuillBot’s Paraphraser to vary your word choice to communicate clearly and directly.
- Why should we avoid using weasel words?
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Weasel words (i.e., words that are unhelpfully vague, such as “possibly” and “reportedly”) should be avoided because they can diminish the clarity and honesty of communication, leading to misunderstandings and a lack of trust. Avoiding these words can enhance the transparency and trustworthiness of your statements.
Try QuillBot’s Paraphraser to find the right words to communicate your message.
