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double talk

 - 3 dictionary results

dou⋅ble-talk

  [duhb-uhl-tawk]
Use double talk in a Sentence
–noun
1. speech using nonsense syllables along with words in a rapid patter.
2. deliberately evasive or ambiguous language: When you try to get a straight answer, he gives you double-talk.
–verb (used without object)
3. to engage in double-talk.
–verb (used with object)
4. to accomplish or persuade by double-talk.
Also, dou⋅ble⋅talk.

Origin:
1935–40, Americanism

Related forms:
double-talker, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To double talk
double talk  
n.  

  1. Meaningless speech that consists of nonsense syllables mixed with intelligible words; gibberish.

  2. Deliberately ambiguous or evasive language. Also called doublespeak.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Idioms & Phrases

double talk

  1. Meaningless speech, gibberish mixing real and invented words. For example, Some popular songs are actually based on double talk. [1930s]

  2. Also, doublespeak. Deliberately ambiguous and evasive language. For example, I got tired of her double talk and demanded to know the true story, or His press secretary was very adept at doublespeak. This usage dates from the late 1940s, and the variant from about 1950.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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