by Michy Lynn

Created on: August 21, 2008

Weasel words are a way for a writer, commentator or speaker to slip personal opinion into what is being said, and to do it in such a way that it sounds credible, even if, and sometimes especially if, the information is not verifiable.

The most popular weasel words and phrases include:

* "Some..."
* "Most...."
* "Many..."
* "A lot..."
* "More and more..."
* "Critics say...."

* "Experts agree..."

Opinion piece writing, such as opinion editorials and opinion commentary, will likely use weasel words more than fact-based writing. However, even in opinion-based writing, the use of weasel words weakens one's overall argument or stance by not providing any credible evidence to support the position or stance of the opinion.

For example, if a writer holds a personal opinion that driving too fast is a bad idea, that writer might say something like this:

"Many drivers exceed the posted speed limit..."

Can you define 'many'? How many is many? See, I can make the statement and you really cannot refute my statement because, depending on how you view it, it might be true or it might not. It's all going to depend on what 'many' means, to you. Without any facts or stats to back that up, 'many' can mean just about anything I want it to.

Also, the inverse of that statement can also be true.

"Many drivers stay below the posted speed limit...."

If 'many' cannot be quantified, as you can see, both statements can invariably be true, without the other statement being untrue.

Now, if writing an opinion piece, some weasel words might be acceptable, but wouldn't the opinion piece - and most definitely factual/informational content - be stronger and make a better point if it had real information?

For example, "A survey by (name who did the survey) says that 90% of all drivers on the road exceed the posted limit..."

Which is stronger:

"Many do this...."

~OR~

"90% do this..."

Clearly, the second one is stronger.

Now, why are they called weasel words?

Because this is a trick that is usually used by a writer or speaker when they are wanting to push their opinion in their writing or speaking, but they do not have the information or sometimes even the truth on their side. They want to 'weasel' out of giving cold, hard information and facts (often because the facts do not support their position).

Yes, 'often' is a weasel word phrase too!

If you've ever tried to edit or use Wikipedia, you probably know, they are very much against weasel words. Why? Because, strange as it may seem to think of them as a wholly reliable source,

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