evasive message

[ɪˈveɪsɪv ˈmɛsɪdʒ]
nounpl: evasive messages
mensagem evasiva
1. A communication that deliberately avoids directly answering a question or addressing a topic by using ambiguous, vague, or indirect language
His evasive message about the budget cuts left everyone confused about the actual layoffs.
Sua mensagem evasiva sobre os cortes orçamentários deixou todos confusos sobre as demissões reais.
2. A response designed to sidestep responsibility or accountability for a previous statement or action
The politician's evasive message during the interview suggested she had something to hide.
A mensagem evasiva da política durante a entrevista sugeriu que ela tinha algo a esconder.
3. Communication that uses tactics to change the subject or redirect attention away from the main issue
Instead of confirming the deal, he sent an evasive message full of conditions and caveats.
Em vez de confirmar o acordo, ele enviou uma mensagem evasiva repleta de condições e ressalvas.
In both Brazilian and American business contexts, evasive messages are often seen as a red flag indicating dishonesty or lack of confidence. In corporate communication, directness is generally valued, making evasive messages a source of frustration. In Portuguese-speaking contexts, the term 'mensagem enrolada' humorously emphasizes the circular nature of such communication.
NYC Slang
dodge / runaround
Synonyms / Sinônimos
ambiguous messagevague communicationindirect responsenon-committal statementdodgy answer
Antonyms / Antônimos
direct messagestraightforward answerclear communicationtransparent responsehonest statement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mensagem evasiva
standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
mensagem morna / resposta de lado
colloquial variation emphasizing the indirect nature
São Paulo
mensagem enrolada
informal usage meaning a message that 'runs around' the issue
Portugal
mensagem evasiva / resposta à volta
similar to Brazilian but 'resposta à volta' emphasizes going around the topic

Related Words

evasionequivocationobfuscationcircumlocutiondeflectionambiguitydodge

Related Idioms & Phrases

beat around the bush
give someone the runaround
talk in circles
dodge the question
sidestep the issue
give a non-answer
dance around the subject
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →