Euphemisms
When propagandists use glittering generalities and name-calling symbols, they are attempting to arouse their audience with vivid, emotionally suggestive words. In certain situations, however, the propagandist attempts to pacify the audience in order to make an unpleasant reality more palatable. This is accomplished by using words that are bland and euphemistic.
Euphemism is defined as the use of words that sound better. The lab rat wasn't killed, it was sacrificed.
This is related to Argument By Emotive Language, since the effect is to make a concept emotionally palatable.
Weasel Wording:
this is very much like Euphemism, except that the word changes are done to claim a new, different concept rather than soften the old concept.
If the emotion in question isn't harsh, Argument By Poetic Language helps the effect.
Post a Comment