WEASEL WORDS.
(When our friends are attacked, we cannot stay quiet. Jack & Misty)
If you think this is hard to understand,
you should see the original article.
It's a newsletter I got from several directions...
a long and sensational accusation of murder and
mayhem.
It names names,
very carefully.
Heavy use is made of
what we in the writing game call "weasel words".
These are disclaimers that protect the writers,
and allow them to say things without taking responsibility.
The Enquirer, the Globe, and other tabloids use
them.
Weasel phrases are usually buried cleverly
in a bunch extravagant claims,
like the side effects in a drug commercial.
To save you the trouble,
I dug the weasels out and threw the rest away.
It's interesting what's left.
The notes in parentheses are mine.
The weasel phrases are hilighted.
I've changed none of the writer's words,
and have made no attempt to correct grammar or
punctuation.
They fire accusations from behind a giant weasel.
* *
*
Well, Known Nashville Promoter
Dies Suddenly Without
Explanation.
(He died of liver failure.)
He died unexpectedly...
(He'd been very sick for several years.)
As of this writing,
the cause of death is still unknown.
(?)
...was
rumored to be...
...numerous
accusations...
...but
nothing was proven.
...It
remains unsolved.
...No
charges have been filed.
...appears
to be...
...unproven
accusations...
... reputedly...
...If
enough evidence is gathered ...
...Music Row
rumor states...
...Music industry people
speculate...
...may
have been poisoned or otherwise murdered...
... was
not convicted...
...has
never been charged, tried, or convicted...
...The
Attorney General's office has
not issued a statement...
... no apparent motive...
...without
solid evidence...
a Grand Jury cannot and should not
indict him.
...the
man is innocent; until proven guilty.
Such speculation serves no purpose.
*
* *
It kind of loses its punch, doesn't it?
Jack Blanchard
Copyright © January 8, 2002 by Jack Blanchard. All rights reserved.
