Gobbledygook

[GOB-uhl-dee-gook]

Definition

  1. (noun) Language that is unnecessarily complicated, technical, or difficult to understand. It often describes writing or speech that is filled with jargon, obscure vocabulary, or convoluted syntax, making it hard for the average person to comprehend.

Example

The lawyer’s contract was filled with so much legal gobbledygook that the client had no idea what they were agreeing to without consulting a dictionary and a thesaurus.

Fun Fact

The term “gobbledygook” was coined in 1944 by Maury Maverick, a Democratic congressman from Texas. Maverick was frustrated with the unclear language used in bureaucratic documents and memoranda, which he felt was a “gobbledygook monster” that consumed and obscured meaning. The term quickly caught on and has since been used to describe any form of unclear, complicated, or technical language that confuses or alienates readers or listeners. In 1948, the New York Times credited Maverick with coining the term, cementing its place in the English language as a humorous and critical way to describe unclear or confusing communication.

Previous Words

Facetious

Today's Word Facetious fuh-SEE-shus Definition (adjective) Treating serious issues with...

Read More

Capricious

Today's Word Capricious kuh-PRISH-us Definition (adjective) Given to sudden and...

Read More

Sedulous

Today's Word Sedulous SEJ-uh-lus Definition (adjective) Showing dedication and diligence;...

Read More

Licentious

Today's Word Licentious ly-SEN-shus Definition (adjective) Promiscuous and unprincipled in...

Read More

Idolatrous

Today's Word Idolatrous eye-DAH-luh-trus Definition (adjective) Relating to or practicing...

Read More