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About this quote

What does it mean?
Political language is crafted to disguise lies as truth and make harmful actions seem acceptable.
In plain terms
Political speech often hides lies and bad actions.
What can you take from it?
Be skeptical of polished political language.

Where it applies

  • political discourse
  • marketing
  • public relations

Putting it to work

  • analyze intent
  • seek plain language
  • verify claims

Questions to consider

  • What language is used to hide intent?
  • How do you spot political spin?

Another view

Not all political language is deceptive by design.

More from George Orwell

  1. In our age there is no such thing as 'keeping out of politics.'

    Permalink to quote #111
  2. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print. Never use a long word where a short one will do. If it is possib…

    Permalink to quote #113
  3. There is no crime, absolutely none, that cannot be condoned when 'our' side commits it.

    Permalink to quote #110

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