journalese etymology

Etymology:

  • Journal (noun): A daily record of events, especially one kept by a journalist
  • -ese (suffix): Denoting the language or style of a particular group or profession

Meaning:

"Journalese" refers to the distinctive language and style used in journalism, characterized by certain conventions and clichés.

Origin:

The term "journalese" was first used in the mid-19th century. It emerged as a critique of the repetitive and formulaic language often found in newspaper writing. Journalists began using specialized jargon, technical terms, and sensationalistic language that was not common in everyday speech.

Over time, "journalese" became associated with a certain style of writing that was seen as unsophisticated, inaccurate, and biased. It was often used to refer to the kind of writing that sought to simplify complex issues or appeal to a broad audience.

Characteristics:

  • Use of passive voice and nominalizations (e.g., "the decision was made" instead of "someone decided")
  • Overuse of adjectives and adverbs (e.g., "the shockingly terrible incident")
  • Clichés and stock phrases (e.g., "at the end of the day," "the bottom line is")
  • Sensationalist language and hyperbole (e.g., "earth-shattering revelation")
  • Technical jargon and specialized terms that may be unfamiliar to the general public

journalese relate terms

  • journal

    Etymology The word journal originates from the Old French word jornal which in turn

  • sensationalism

    Etymology The word sensationalism derives from the Latin word sensationem meaning s

  • style

    Etymology The word style originated from the Latin word stilus which means a pointe

  • slander

    Etymology The word slander is derived from the Old French term esclandre which means

  • hour

    Etymology The word hour comes from the Latin word hora which means hour time seas

  • patriotism

    Etymology The word patriotism comes from the Latin word patria meaning fatherland

  • fascinate

    Etymology Medieval Latin fascinare to bewitch enchant Latin fascinum evil eye fa

  • Babylon

    Etymology The word Babylon is derived from the Akkadian word Babilu or Bab ili

  • host

    Etymology The word host comes from the Old English word hōst which in turn is deri

  • society

    Etymology The word society comes from the Latin word societas which means associat

  • enterprise

    Etymology The term enterprise has its origins in the Old French word entreprendre fo