Weasel Words

By Deane Barker

Words can be added to an argument to allow you to “weasel out of it,” if you’re wrong. Words like “might” and phrases like “it’s possible” dilute the argument and allow a back door to escape. They avoid binding the arguer to a position that might be wrong.

Examples

A breakfast cereal commercial once included this: (weasel words in italics): “Some studies suggest that some whole grains might help prevent certain types of cancer.” So, not all studies, just some. And their conclusions are not definitive, just suggestive. And not all grains, just a few. And they’re not sure of the prevention value, but it might be there. And they don’t absolutely prevent cancer, they just help. And not all cancers, just certain types.

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