Transparency plays a major role in the business since people are more likely to trust you when you approach them honestly and directly. Yet, the corporate world is filled with frustrating examples of indirect language. It has almost become a default jargon in the workplace and is widely used in various industries.
What are Weasel Words? Why it is Called Weasel Words?
‘Weasel words’ and phrases are known as the terms which allow a person to talk avoiding a straightforward way. People are more likely to use these indirect phrases in business because they are difficult to contradict and inoffensive as well. However, these terms lose their meaning in the process.
Though there is no perfect reason why these terms are known as weasel words, some say that weasels suck the birds' eggs through a small hole, leaving the egg intact. Weasel words are similar in a way as they appear intact but actually have no value of gravity in a conversation.
Some Examples of Weasel Words
- “Reportedly”
- “Arguably”
- “experts say”
- “Research shows”
- “according to a recent report”
- “helps”
- vague frequencies ( such as rarely, often, regularly )
- vague quantities (Such as only a few, many, most, everyone, etc)
- vague likelihoods (Such as maybe, probably, possibly)
- “People are saying”
The list can go on with more terms, however, these terms are most used. In some contexts, other words can also act as weasel words as the meaning stays unclear. Such as,
- Does your face wash remove pimples or it barely fights them?
- Is that diamond real or a ‘genuine replica’?
One of the main reasons salesmen meet skepticism is the use of their weasel words. These words might protect a person from false claim but it also loses the buyers' trust which is very hard to gain.
What is Passive-aggressive Language?
Passive-aggressive language is another form of indirect language that proliferates in business. It especially happens when someone is having a problem, issue, or difference of opinion with another person. They try to be professional and deal with the matter while avoiding any conflict. However, it does not work that way.
Passive-aggressive terms can mean something opposite even when said positively. Here are some examples that can help you understand better. Such as,
- “I don’t disagree” – does not mean the same as ‘I agree’.
- “I was only joking” – which means it is a partial truth.
- “Correct me if I'm wrong” – means the person is not wrong but the listener is.
- “Any updates on this?” - It means the person wants to speed up the process.
- “Thanks in advance” – which means taking the other person for granted.
Such annoying phrases can be widely seen in the case of email as well. Some of the most annoying email phrases are,
- “Not sure if you saw my last email”
- “Per my last email”
- “per our conversation”
- “Please Advise”
- “As previously stated”
- “As mentioned Before”
- “As discussed earlier”
- “Re-attaching for convenience”
There is extensively other jargon and passive-aggressive phrases used in the professional areas. However, they never proved to be successful as the other person is unable to make up in mind. To convey the real meaning, it is advised to make a direct approach only. Try to be more honest and direct with people without being rude to them. This practice will help you avoid all the weasel words and passive-aggressive terms.
