Many a time I sail through content in which these words may exist, but never thought to actually look up its meaning, call it laziness or indifference. So without circumlocution let me just say Thank You.
As usual, Pras, you piece was learning to me. Learned what Tergiversation, Circumlocution, Equivocation, Prevarication actually meant, particularly the first two, which was indeed new to me. Congratulations. At the end of it all you are bound to have a bunch of readers who are better informed than before, thanks to you. Thanks for including me as a mail recipient.
I particularly like the example of ‘Pillai to Pillai’. Most of us are aware of similar instances ourselves. The ‘readjustment of rations’ example in Animal Farm and the ‘equivocation fallacy’ that could make things illogical (though appearing to be on logical grounds)are indeed great examples that will certainly butter the point you made.
All the words you have introduced us to are the tools of trade for lawyers to protect the interest of the client. Be it Tergiversation meaning to retract, Circumlocution a long-winded explanation without coming straight to the point. Like ‘Filibustering’. Then you talk about Equivocation which means doublespeak. Finally the word Prevarication is about avoiding telling the truth. You conclude by talking about the virtues of being truthful to keep one’s conscience clean. I see a bit of contradiction. Can one practice all the above and still keep the conscience clean ? To me there are no absolutes. Different folks different strokes ! Follow the path of least damage !!
Pras, thanks for putting together all those words. All of them in some way or another denote a propensity to lie. These clever divices are used by all of us at some point or another.
Leaving aside the deliberate evasiveness of politicians and the like, common decent people mostly do so (prevarication, circumlocution, equivocation...) only as an easy way to get around a a perceived problem. White lies though strictly not part of the group of words you described, they serve the same purpose.
But here's the funny thing, it is not so difficult to be truthful and direct always. Perhaps it will seem hurtful on the face of it when having to be truthful about your opinion, but if put forward sensitively, one's candour and honesty will be appreciated far more than the little reprieve that you may earn by circumlocuting, equivocating or lying.
Its just a matter of habit, a habit well worth cultivating. I have been a practioner of this myself for several years, and hey, I have'nt lost a single friend yet. Sharing bad news or giving a negative feedback has never been a problem, people who know me know that I mean well.
These were absolute tongue twisters!! Without circumlocuting let me acknowledge that the article was a very good learning on a Sunday morning.....and no I am not prevaricating either and seriously mean it!!
The next time the wife asks how she is looking this topic will certainly reminisce and hopefully we will say the truth and nothing but the truth!!
Prasanna, your articles are so thoroughly researched and well presented. Love the Pillai to Pillai! Had not heard that one before. Glad to have a chance to improve my vocabulary. Keep them comin'.
Hi Prasanna, a very good morning to you! If I have not commented on your previous issue, it is not the taste of your filter coffee but sheer laziness on part of the person who savoured it!!!
The three words you have used in your present issue , are hard to read , digest and cough it out BUT
the the explanations you have written is
just super and commonly experienced by majority. You are a genius material
and your doses of filter coffee week after week are inspirational!
Many a time I sail through content in which these words may exist, but never thought to actually look up its meaning, call it laziness or indifference. So without circumlocution let me just say Thank You.
That's a very nice way of putting it. Thank you Latha!
As usual, Pras, you piece was learning to me. Learned what Tergiversation, Circumlocution, Equivocation, Prevarication actually meant, particularly the first two, which was indeed new to me. Congratulations. At the end of it all you are bound to have a bunch of readers who are better informed than before, thanks to you. Thanks for including me as a mail recipient.
I particularly like the example of ‘Pillai to Pillai’. Most of us are aware of similar instances ourselves. The ‘readjustment of rations’ example in Animal Farm and the ‘equivocation fallacy’ that could make things illogical (though appearing to be on logical grounds)are indeed great examples that will certainly butter the point you made.
Thank you Shahji for taking time out to share your thoughts. I think you meant 'buttress the point' :)
Ah yes. There you go. Another learning for me.
Pras,
All the words you have introduced us to are the tools of trade for lawyers to protect the interest of the client. Be it Tergiversation meaning to retract, Circumlocution a long-winded explanation without coming straight to the point. Like ‘Filibustering’. Then you talk about Equivocation which means doublespeak. Finally the word Prevarication is about avoiding telling the truth. You conclude by talking about the virtues of being truthful to keep one’s conscience clean. I see a bit of contradiction. Can one practice all the above and still keep the conscience clean ? To me there are no absolutes. Different folks different strokes ! Follow the path of least damage !!
Touche'. Very well said. All these traits are attributable to the following in the same order: politicians, bureaucracy, lawyers, doctors.
Pras, thanks for putting together all those words. All of them in some way or another denote a propensity to lie. These clever divices are used by all of us at some point or another.
Leaving aside the deliberate evasiveness of politicians and the like, common decent people mostly do so (prevarication, circumlocution, equivocation...) only as an easy way to get around a a perceived problem. White lies though strictly not part of the group of words you described, they serve the same purpose.
But here's the funny thing, it is not so difficult to be truthful and direct always. Perhaps it will seem hurtful on the face of it when having to be truthful about your opinion, but if put forward sensitively, one's candour and honesty will be appreciated far more than the little reprieve that you may earn by circumlocuting, equivocating or lying.
Its just a matter of habit, a habit well worth cultivating. I have been a practioner of this myself for several years, and hey, I have'nt lost a single friend yet. Sharing bad news or giving a negative feedback has never been a problem, people who know me know that I mean well.
Truth prevails.
Thanks Pras for an interesting post.
Thanks very much for sharing more insights. Much appreciated.
These were absolute tongue twisters!! Without circumlocuting let me acknowledge that the article was a very good learning on a Sunday morning.....and no I am not prevaricating either and seriously mean it!!
The next time the wife asks how she is looking this topic will certainly reminisce and hopefully we will say the truth and nothing but the truth!!
Prasanna, your articles are so thoroughly researched and well presented. Love the Pillai to Pillai! Had not heard that one before. Glad to have a chance to improve my vocabulary. Keep them comin'.
Thank you Nisha. Much appreciate your encouragement.
Hi Prasanna, a very good morning to you! If I have not commented on your previous issue, it is not the taste of your filter coffee but sheer laziness on part of the person who savoured it!!!
The three words you have used in your present issue , are hard to read , digest and cough it out BUT
the the explanations you have written is
just super and commonly experienced by majority. You are a genius material
and your doses of filter coffee week after week are inspirational!
Keep inspiring very ordinary mortals like me😎
Thank you Krupa for those kind words of encouragement.