Definition

A type of language that is intentionally confusing and misleading, often used to control how people think and communicate.

Example

The government used newspeak to make their policies sound more appealing to the public.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new policy changes they announced today?

Yeah, it seems like a lot of newspeak to me.

I agree; it sounds like they're trying to make things seem better than they are.

Exactly! It's all about twisting the words to avoid real issues.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Newspeak is formed from "news" (from Old English *nēos*, meaning new information) and "speak" (from Old English *specan*, meaning to talk or say). The term refers to a controlled language created to limit freedom of thought and expression, particularly in George Orwell's dystopian novel '1984'.

Memory Tip

Think of 'new information' ('news') being 'talked about' ('speak') — that's why newspeak refers to a language designed to control how people express ideas.

Visually Confused Words