MANAGEMENT

Detailed explanation-1: -Weasel claims represent a form of covert communication and are characterized by the use of deliberately vague and misleading language. In the advertising discourse, this linguistic device helps advertisers to deal with sensitive issues, overcome consumers’ distrust and thus influence their behavior.

Detailed explanation-2: -Examples include the phrases “some people say", “it is thought", and “researchers believe". Using weasel words may allow one to later deny any specific meaning if the statement is challenged, because the statement was never specific in the first place.

Detailed explanation-3: -THE VAGUE CLAIM The vague claim is simply not clear. This category often overlaps with others. The key to the vague claim is the use of words that are colorful but meaningless, as well as the use of subjective and emotional opinions that defy verification.

Detailed explanation-4: -Weasel words and phrases include “may, ” “might, ” “could, ” “can, ” “can be, ” “virtually, ” “up to, ” “as much as, ” “help, ” “like, ” “believe, ” “possibly, ” and similar qualifiers that create enough wiggle room for a rhino. Some of the weasel words are qualifiers.