Two phrases have become ubiquitous over the last couple of years when politicians have been interviewed on television. The following are my translations into their real meanings. Please feel free to add your own.
P-speak:
'We are working hard...'
Real speak:
'We have dropped the ball horrendously, so don't expect us to get things sorted in the foreseeable future'.
P-speak:
'The fact of the matter is...'
Real speak:
'The next words that come out of my mouth are going to be, at best, a twisting of the facts and more likely, a complete fabrication'.
P-speak:
"We have the pandemic under control."
Real speak:
"Tons of people are dying, and we really couldn't care less."
P-speak:
"The American people"
Real speak:
"Not the American people"
P-speak:
"Look..."
Real speak:
"The next point may or may not be important, but I've stirred you from your sleep"
P-speak: “My opponent says…”
Real Speak: “I have to deflect attention from myself, because I have no plan, no options, and no knowledge of the subject matter…”
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