HealthAugust 23, 2026

newspeak

NOO-speek

Definition

Deliberately ambiguous or euphemistic language used to disguise the true nature of a policy or to mislead the public.

Etymology

The word was coined by George Orwell in his 1949 novel '1984' to describe a controlled, simplified language intended to limit independent thought and political dissent.

In the news

The author uses the term to suggest that the government's promise of 'more dynamic stakeholders' is a deceptive label meant to cover up the removal of elected governors and the potential influence of corporate shareholders.

It’s unwise to end local scrutiny of NHS trusts

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The Guardian

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