One of the articles published by the Institute of Basic Youth Conflicts that sticks with me over the years concerned weasel words. Although they used the term “quack” in describing them, in my mind, they were ‘weasel words’.
In my mind, a quack is a person, yet weasel words alert me to sneaky dangers ahead. The weasel words are those sneaky word tricks used in persuading others. The whole idea of weasel words fascinated me.
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 was referred to as the ‘weasel’.
He was oily, polished and used those manipulative words frequently. He was a walking illustration of a smooth talking hustler, viewing ministry as a tool rather than a ‘calling’. At the time he was working his way up the corporate ladder.
The article came back to me anytime I saw 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 his slick presentations. I saw who was fooled by his smooth talking versus who looked considered the factual truth behind things.
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 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.”
When you’re hit with an affair, you don’t feel like a winner.
Another article made references to how “only primitive man” seeks monogamy as a way of life. the words make it appear that if you hold to traditional values of monogamy, you are non-progressive to the point of being a cave man.
The weasel word that should have tipped you off was ‘suggests’. Other weasel words are ‘clinical’ and ‘scientific’. When you see these terms used, it should alert you that the findings they are about to present are NOT solidly proven facts.
You own common sense and experience shows you that the affair has brought more pain and suffering than confidence into your life. It didn’t make you a winner.
Being the victim of an affair didn’t make you more progressive or ‘with it’. The affair took 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.
In the video “Overcoming Affair Trauma“, you’ll find guidance as you go through the emotional challenges. You’ve got to get through the pain before you’re ready to feel like a ‘winner at life’ as the researchers claim.
Keeping It Real,
Jeff
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