Monday, November 10, 2008

Word of the Week

cir·cum·loc·u·to·ry - adjective: the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea, evasion in speech

As in, politicians are particularily adept at answering questions in a circumlocutory way. I am sad to say that I never really use this word, but I am going to try from now on, because it is a fabulous, useful word. I'm sure if we all pay attention we can point out several examples everyday of someone using circumlocutory speach. Here is an entertaining article about the art of appologizing that gives as one example the circumlocutory appology.

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