One of the articles put out by the Institute of Basic Youth Conflicts that has stuck with me over the years concerned weasel words. Although they used the term “quack” in describing them, in my mind, they were weasel words.
These are those sneaky word tricks used in persuading readers. The whole idea of weasel words fascinated me.
These words are often used in selling and marketing. Those “New”, “Scientific breakthroughs” are words that let you know more ‘bull’ is coming your way.
Since my first introduction to weasel words, I’ve seen them in many places and in many contexts. I suppose the term sticks with me after being burned by a peer who we referred to as the ‘weasel‘.
He was oily, polished and used such words frequently. He was a walking illustration of a smooth talking hustler. At the time he was working his way up the corporate ladder.
The article came back to me on seeing him in action. Those weasel words just flowed from his mouth without effort, making him look better than anyone else. Since I kept track of the numbers and statistics, I knew the ‘real story’ behind the slick presentation.
That experience woke me up to the power and influence of weasel words. When I encounter them, they jump out at me.
For instance, in a recent article about some hokey research and its findings extolling the benefits of women having affairs the authors said, ” The study found there are actually quite a few scientifically-backed benefits for women who were cheated on…”
The weasel word here is “scientifically-backed benefits”. If the researches proved them, they would be facts, or findings. The article strains at making a case that affairs are good for those involved.
I wasn’t surprised on finding out that the main author of the study is a true believer in human evolution to the point where such benefits are part of ‘evolutionary development’. It almost sounds like he’s selling the idea that break-ups from affairs are ‘good for the betterment’ of everyone involved.
Consider how the article said, “Research suggests women who are cheated on actually “win” at life in the long run.”
“Win at life” Really? When you’re hit with an affair, you don’t feel like a winner.
This sounds like ‘participation trophy’ type of winning. You didn’t win anything, yet by putting the right kind of spin on it makes it sound better.
You own common sense and experience shows you that the affair has brought more pain and suffering than confidence into your life. The affair has taken away your peace of mind.
Sure, you may put on your ‘big girl pants’ and move on with life, but that doesn’t mean that you have more confidence. ‘Fake it till you make it’ is part of your daily routine more often than you’d like.
When you are struggling with the pain of the affair, self-confidence is not one of your strong points. You don’t feel like a winner. Instead, you are doing your best at holding your life and emotions together.
For more updates on affair research and what it means, join the “Restored Lifestyle” website, where I present the latest findings, along with access to videos and forums where you can share your story with others
Best Regards,
Jeff
