disingenuous explanation

[/ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒɛnjuəs ɛksˌplæneɪʃən/]
noun phrasepl: disingenuous explanations
explicação desonesta; explicação falsa; explicação insincera
1. An explanation or account that is not genuine, honest, or sincere; a statement that pretends to be truthful while hiding the real motives or facts
His disingenuous explanation for missing the meeting fooled no one.
Sua explicação desonesta para ter faltado à reunião enganou ninguém.
2. A deliberately misleading or deceitful clarification that lacks candor and authenticity
The politician's disingenuous explanation of the budget cuts was clearly designed to avoid public backlash.
A explicação falsa do político sobre os cortes orçamentários foi claramente designada para evitar reação pública.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, a 'disingenuous explanation' is viewed negatively as it violates expectations of honesty and transparency. In professional and political settings in the USA, being caught giving a disingenuous explanation can severely damage credibility. In Brazil, there is often cultural tolerance for more elaborate or indirect explanations in casual settings, but disingenuousness in formal contexts is equally disapproved. The term is frequently used in media criticism and political discourse in both countries.
NYC Slang
BS explanation; bogus explanation; made-up excuse
Synonyms / Sinônimos
insincere explanationdishonest explanationdeceptive explanationmisleading explanationfalse explanationcontrived explanation
Antonyms / Antônimos
genuine explanationsincere explanationhonest explanationcandid explanationtruthful explanation

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
explicação desonesta; explicação falsa
Most common usage in Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
desculpa furada; explicação mole
More colloquial, informal expression
São Paulo
explicação insincera; mentira disfarçada
Direct and straightforward terminology
Portugal
explicação enganosa; desculpa fingida
European Portuguese variant with slightly different emphasis

Related Words

disingenuousinsinceritydishonestydeceptionprevaricationfabrication

Related Idioms & Phrases

put on a false face
tell a white lie
beat around the bush
pull the wool over someone's eyes
have your cake and eat it too
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