Compare these two sentences:
- Frankly, I really think you are a very good employee and, obviously, you are perfectly able to do your job, but I am quite sure you would be significantly better off if you worked for someone else.
- I think you are a good employee and you are able to do your job, but I am sure you would be better off if you worked for someone else.
Which of the two versions sounds more honest?
In the first sentence, the intensifiers in italics (frankly, very, obviously, quite, and significantly) make the statement less credible. These intensifiers are examples of weasel words. Other examples are virtually, clearly, somewhat, undoubtedly, reportedly, and arguably.
Definition of weasel words
Weasel words are those words that weaken a statement, making it “uncertain” or “hollow”, according to Garner’s Modern English Usage.
(I won’t discuss weasel words in politics or management here, but if you’re interested to learn more, read Watson’s Dictionary of Weasel Words, Contemporary Cliches, Cant and Management Jargon.)
The origin of the term weasel words is not clear. A 1916 New York Times article traces its history back to Theodore Roosevelt, who heard it from Bill Sewall’s brother. According to other sources, it was author Stewart Chaplin who coined this term.
Should you use weasel words in academic writing?
It depends on the meaning you’re trying to convey. Experienced writers know how to use weasel words effectively to hedge the meaning of a sentence. If you are a beginner writer, however, steer away from weasel words if you’re not sure how they change the meaning of a phrase.
To avoid hedging in academic writing, examine your draft and delete the weasel words that make your writing informal or your message confusing. Without weasel words, your writing will become more powerful.
Do you need a freelance editor to help you make your writing more powerful? Send me a message at editor@languageediting.com.
Related posts:
- Impact vs. effect in academic writing: Which one should you use?
- What’s one thing that could improve communicating EU research?
- Placement of only: What’s the correct way of using only in a sentence?
Last revised on 15 July 2022
