"Officialese" is a combination of "official" and the suffix "-ese," which means "the language or style of."
"Official" comes from the Latin word "officialis," meaning "pertaining to an office or official duty."
Meaning
Officialese refers to a formal, bureaucratic, or impersonal language used by officials, government agencies, or other organizations.
Origin
The term "officialese" first appeared in the early 19th century. It was initially used to describe the jargon and technical terms used in government documents and reports.
In the 20th century, the term expanded to include the overly formal and impersonal language often found in business communications, legal contracts, and other official documents.
Characteristics of Officialese
Formal language: Use of formal words, complex sentences, and technical jargon.
Lack of clarity and specificity: Vague and ambiguous language that can be open to multiple interpretations.
Impersonal tone: Use of passive voice, nominalizations (e.g., "the implementation of"), and impersonal phrases (e.g., "it is recommended that").
Repetition and redundancy: Use of repetition and unnecessary modifiers to emphasize importance.
Lack of personality and emotion: Language that is devoid of personal expression or emotional content.
Usage
Officialese is often used in contexts where precision, formality, and objectivity are desired. However, excessive use of officialese can make communication difficult to understand and can create a barrier between organizations and the public.
