weasel word

Italian translation: espressione vaga

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
English term or phrase:weasel word
Italian translation:espressione vaga
Entered by: Mr Murray (X)

14:15 Sep 23, 2010
English to Italian translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Linguistics / Contemporary neologisms
English term or phrase: weasel word
This could go in various categories. If you have the patience, read this Wikipedia entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weasel_word

All of us have seen 'weasel words.' These words are 'empty' words used to justify an opinion, but they contribute little or nothing to the logic and final proof of an argument.

Wikipedia and Wikipedia editors use this term among others. Here are four examples taken from the Wikipedia entry in English:

1. 'People say...' — Which people? How do they know?
2. 'It is known that...' — By whom and by what method is it known?
3. 'Officially known as...' — By whom, where, when—who says so?
4. 'The vast majority...' — All, more than half—how many?

Maybe you experienced 'weasel words' in Kudoz answers.*

Like adverbs:
'We always say this in English.' - who? always - really?
'It technically is this.' - what does 'technically' mean?

Or superlatives:
'The most common word is this.' - where? for who?
'The worst example.' - is this your opinion?

[*I'm not quoting anyone here.]

These are not adverbials in my opinion. And, it is not 'wooden language' (from French 'langue de bois').

I doubt there's an existing word or collocation in Italian for 'weasel word' and think there's a chance here to define one.
Mr Murray (X)
Italy
espressione deliberatamente vaga
Explanation:
I know, it's long-winded. But I think the meaning isn't that by using them one is trying to be misleading (letting people understand B while it is actually A); he's just trying to avoid a clear-cut responsibility (he's trying not to be forced to provide a clear alternative between A and B). So he's being deliberately vague.
Here's a slightly different take on "weaseling" that maybe explains what I mean:
"Weaseling. Overuse of words like mostly, usually, almost, sometimes, rather, mainly, apparently, seemingly, generally, etc., gives the manuscript a confused, uncertain, and tentative feel."
Selected response from:

Michele Armellini
Italy
Local time: 18:40
Grading comment
Very difficult decision. I had to form a committee to vote. We agreed all of the answers had merit. It came down to making a combination of cynthia's and Michele's answers. If there was no 'creative' or 'figurative' translation, we thought 'espressioni vaga e impersonale' was good (leaving out Michele's 'deliberatamente'). Then, we decided to match just two words - 'weasel word' - we had to reduce the answer to 'espessione vaga.' Michele was closest and earliest to this. We should agree 'vague expression' is not exactly equal to 'weasel words,' but that is the nature of translating, isn't it? So, because it was a difficult contest - and because it's a useful expression/collocation, it should be in the glossary. I'll enter it as 'espressione vaga'. Time will tell if a new expression arrives into Italian. Thanks to everyone who participated!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +3parole ambigue
Silvia Socinovi
3 +3espressione deliberatamente vaga
Michele Armellini
3 +2frasi (o parole) equivoche
Ilaria A. Feltre
5Espressioni evasive/Evasita'
darwilliam
4parola ingannevole
dandamesh
3 +1espressioni / frasi / forme impersonali
cynthiatesser
3vaga espressione/frase/parola con fini apologetici OR espressione impersonale con fini apologetici
arvidas
3riempitivo
LuciaC
2parole (frasi) insulse/che lasciano il tempo che trovano/banali
Fabrizio Zambuto


Discussion entries: 18





  

Answers


6 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +3
parole ambigue


Explanation:
if you look for weasel in wordreference,at the bottom of the page you fine "weasel words" = parole ambigue.


    Reference: http://www.wordreference.com/enit/weasel
Silvia Socinovi
Italy
Local time: 18:40
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in ItalianItalian
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thank you Silvia. The reference is very nice. I am just wondering if there's a more colourful idiom given that 'ambiguous words' could be something like..."a quality product" - this doesn't tell me if it's good or bad quality. Still, this is a strong answer.

Asker: Silvia. Your answer was very possible and I liked your extra information in the discussion. I want to say a special 'grazie' for your participation. But, my little committee felt 'vague words' had it's own meaning already. You had the most confidence votes, but the same peers also voted for other answers. Thanks very much.


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Ilaria A. Feltre: Sono arrivata un minuto dopo di te, Silvia (non avevo visto la tua risposta), ma è proprio quello che intendevo: parole o frasi equivoche o ambigue.
7 mins

agree  zerlina
25 mins

agree  Giuseppe Bellone
35 mins
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

7 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +2
frasi (o parole) equivoche


Explanation:
Un suggerimento... :)

Ilaria A. Feltre
Malta
Local time: 18:40
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in ItalianItalian
Notes to answerer
Asker: Grazie mille Ilaria, ma, ho lo stesso problema con ambiguo ed equivoco. But, maybe there is no better way to translate it. I will consider this answer, too.


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  zerlina
24 mins
  -> Grazie!

agree  Giuseppe Bellone
33 mins
  -> Grazie!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

23 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +3
espressione deliberatamente vaga


Explanation:
I know, it's long-winded. But I think the meaning isn't that by using them one is trying to be misleading (letting people understand B while it is actually A); he's just trying to avoid a clear-cut responsibility (he's trying not to be forced to provide a clear alternative between A and B). So he's being deliberately vague.
Here's a slightly different take on "weaseling" that maybe explains what I mean:
"Weaseling. Overuse of words like mostly, usually, almost, sometimes, rather, mainly, apparently, seemingly, generally, etc., gives the manuscript a confused, uncertain, and tentative feel."



    Reference: http://www.sjgames.com/general/guidelines/authors/style.html
Michele Armellini
Italy
Local time: 18:40
Native speaker of: Native in ItalianItalian, Native in FriulianFriulian
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
Very difficult decision. I had to form a committee to vote. We agreed all of the answers had merit. It came down to making a combination of cynthia's and Michele's answers. If there was no 'creative' or 'figurative' translation, we thought 'espressioni vaga e impersonale' was good (leaving out Michele's 'deliberatamente'). Then, we decided to match just two words - 'weasel word' - we had to reduce the answer to 'espessione vaga.' Michele was closest and earliest to this. We should agree 'vague expression' is not exactly equal to 'weasel words,' but that is the nature of translating, isn't it? So, because it was a difficult contest - and because it's a useful expression/collocation, it should be in the glossary. I'll enter it as 'espressione vaga'. Time will tell if a new expression arrives into Italian. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Notes to answerer
Asker: This is a good possiblity. I might drop 'deliberatamente' because maybe people use 'weasel words' out of habit or without thinking. Still, this is a possibility as well. Thanks.


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  zerlina
10 mins
  -> grazie!

agree  Ilaria A. Feltre: Bella traduzione! Come dici tu, magari ne esiste una versione più concisa.
10 mins
  -> grazie! Sì, non dico che "equivoco" non vada bene, ed è senz'altro più breve.

agree  Giuseppe Bellone
19 mins
  -> grazie!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

28 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
parola ingannevole


Explanation:
In ambiente pubblicitario (e non solo) si usa così.
La donnola o il furetto non solo mangiano le uova ma sono considerati animali scaltri di cui è bene non fidarsi

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 hr (2010-09-23 15:22:30 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Forse ho capito male e ingannevole è un termine più ampio e decisamente negativo ma deliberatamente vago, equivoco o ambiguo mi sembrano sullo stesso piano. Si chedeva un'espressione accolta ufficialmente e si portano degli esempi pubblicitari. Io la vedo così
http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pubblicità_ingannevole

Example sentence(s):
  • la presunta frase ingannevole "permette di perdere da 3,6 kg a 9,8 kg al mese" è stata sostituita con la frase "può consentire di perdere da 3,6 kg a 9,8 kg al mese"; la presunta frase ingannevole "senza privazioni e senza seguire alcun regime alimentar

    Reference: http://www.agcm.it/agcm_ita/DSAP/DSAP_PI.NSF/88a1d51baadd276...
    Reference: http://www.bitlessbridleitalia.com/On%20the%20bit.pdf
dandamesh
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in ItalianItalian
PRO pts in category: 12
Notes to answerer
Asker: Per me, these are 'catch phrases,' 'tag lines' or 'log lines.' But, this 'descriptive sense' is more what I was hoping to find.


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  zerlina: ho guardato i tuoi link, ma mi sembra non parlino mai di 'weasel'? E dai, tu sostieni la tua proposta con degli esempi dove non esce nessun legame con 'weasel', mentre dovrebbero dimostrare proprio questo.
12 mins
  -> dovrebbero? Sono in italiano e sostengono "ingannevole" con due esempi che mi sembranoin linea con quelli presentati da Mr Murray. Che li devo mettere in inglese i link? C'è nelle regole? /per me il senso è quello aggiungo nota
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

2 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +1
espressioni / frasi / forme impersonali


Explanation:
Very good question, Mr Murray!

When studying grammar in primary school, this kind of expressions (si dice, si pensa, è bello fare, è importante capire, etc.) were said "frasi / forme impersonali" as the person performing the action wasn't actually known. So I'm suggesting this for yor question.

cynthiatesser
Italy
Local time: 18:40
Native speaker of: Italian
PRO pts in category: 4
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thank you Cynthia. This is in the right direction. It is making me think.


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Valeria Faber: to me this is the right way, it's the first thing I thought
3 hrs
  -> Thank you, Valeria!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

3 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 2/5Answerer confidence 2/5
parole (frasi) insulse/che lasciano il tempo che trovano/banali


Explanation:
this is another option. Based on what you say, a weasel word can be a stereotype (all italians are short and dark haired:), or something based on misconceptions...etc etc.
I just add my two cents with above suggestions.

Fabrizio Zambuto
Native speaker of: Native in ItalianItalian
PRO pts in category: 8
Notes to answerer
Asker: Interesting options Fabrizio. Thanks for adding them.

Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

6 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
vaga espressione/frase/parola con fini apologetici OR espressione impersonale con fini apologetici


Explanation:
From Ancient Greek:
Apò = for, in favor of,... (the equivalent of the latin 'pro'), &
Lògos = speech
So it's something (sentence, word,...) with the aim of justifying what you said before or going to say right after it (and if it is "impersonale", this gives it that sense of emptyness and reduces it to a mere common saying).


arvidas
Local time: 18:40
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in ItalianItalian
Notes to answerer
Asker: Wow. Good information. These could be the roots for some idiom or collocation that could work. Thanks arvidas.

Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

9 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
riempitivo


Explanation:
Se dovessi spiegarlo a qualcuno direi che weasel word è uno riempitivo, una parola o locuzione usata per rimpolpare la frase, prendere tempo ecc.


--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 9 hrs (2010-09-23 23:24:44 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

"un riempitivo" (yawn, cervello già spento)

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 16 hrs (2010-09-24 06:58:48 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

R. è un termine della linguistica.
Dal Sabatini "estens. in linguistica, elemento privo o svuotato di contenuto semantico autonomo, immesso nel discorso per prendere tempo, evitare il silenzio ecc."

È chiaro che non è il traducente esatto (questo è il classico caso in cui forse non esiste ed è per questo che la lista di proposte è lunga), comunque forse rende l'idea.


LuciaC
United Kingdom
Local time: 17:40
Native speaker of: Native in ItalianItalian
Notes to answerer
Asker: Grazie Lucia, this is a good addition to the list. I know there are some linguistic/literary names for these 'filler' words which I can't remember just now. I only wonder if they give the idea the speaker is trying to sound more convincing than they really are. 'Filler' words I think have a more 'socializing' idea. But, I think this is another possibility that makes my decision harder.

Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

2 days 4 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5
Espressioni evasive/Evasita'


Explanation:
Mr. Murray, I really think you should take a look at this:

http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Evasività


My first thought was 'fuorviante' (misleading, deceptive), but then I got the idea from the Spanish (link below), and they had 'palabras equivocas', which is not too far from what someone pointed out. I think phrases such as "E' risaputo che...", "E' opinione diffusa..." and even impersonal statements, that may be subjective, are good examples.

It was quite tough since there is no idiomatic expression in Italian (as far as I am concerned, of course...)

Please do check the link provided below.

Example sentence(s):
  • Molti sostengono che l'anestesia locale è più sicura di quella generale (o totale).

    Reference: http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Evasivit%C3%A0
    Reference: http://dictionary.reverso.net/english-spanish/weasel
darwilliam
China
Local time: 01:40
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in ItalianItalian
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.


See also:
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search