double-talk

Or dou·ble·talk

[duhb-uhl-tawk]

noun

1. speech using nonsense syllables along with words in a rapid patter.

2. deliberately evasive or ambiguous language.

   When you try to get a straight answer, he gives you double-talk.

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in double-talk.

verb (used with object)

1. to accomplish or persuade by double-talk.

double talk

noun

1. rapid speech with a mixture of nonsense syllables and real words; gibberish

2. empty, deceptive, or ambiguous talk, esp by politicians

Other Word Forms

• double-talker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of double talk¹

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Idioms and Phrases

Meaningless speech, gibberish mixing real and invented words. For example, Some popular songs are actually based on double talk . [1930s]

Also, doublespeak . Deliberately ambiguous and evasive language. For example, I got tired of her double talk and demanded to know the true story , or His press secretary was very adept at doublespeak . This usage dates from the late 1940s, and the variant from about 1950.

Example Sentences

His Belichick-like act at the weekly coordinators’ press conference — all double talk and speaking without actually saying anything — was amusing early in the season.

From Washington Times

In reality, the supposed differences between "white supremacy" and "white nationalism" are largely pedantic, if not simply double talk, obfuscation and evasion.

From Salon

School officials should stop the double talk and take immediate action to close the construction site or move the children to a safe location.

From Washington Post

Never has the syndrome been more apparent than in Watson’s head-clutching double talk following the announcement he will sit out 11 games and pay a $5 million fine.

From Washington Post

On her LinkedIn page and in a note sent to 1,400 Shell employees, she accused the company of “double talk” and of expanding its oil and gas operations “against the clear warnings from scientists.”

From Washington Post