verbal dodge
[/ˈvɜːrbəl dɑːdʒ/]
nounpl: verbal dodges
esquiva verbal
1. An evasive or indirect response to a direct question; a way of speaking that avoids giving a straight answer
The politician's verbal dodge during the interview frustrated journalists who wanted a clear answer.
A esquiva verbal do político durante a entrevista frustrou jornalistas que queriam uma resposta clara.
2. A linguistic technique used to sidestep responsibility, accountability, or commitment through careful word choice
His verbal dodge about the missing funds only made him look more guilty.
Sua esquiva verbal sobre os fundos desaparecidos apenas o fez parecer mais culpado.
3. An artful or clever way of avoiding a direct confrontation or answer through speech
She used a verbal dodge to change the subject when asked about her past relationship.
Ela usou uma esquiva verbal para mudar de assunto quando perguntada sobre seu relacionamento anterior.
The term 'verbal dodge' is frequently used in American political discourse and journalism to describe evasive responses from public figures. In Brazilian culture, similar concepts are often expressed through phrases like 'jogo de palavras' (word games) or 'conversa mole' (soft talk), reflecting a more conversational approach to discussing evasiveness. This technique is universally recognized in professional, legal, and diplomatic contexts across both English and Portuguese-speaking cultures.
NYC Slang
run around; giving someone the runaround; talking out of both sides of your mouth
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