Vaguing

Vaguing is the act of speaking or writing in a vague, imprecise, or unclear manner. It often involves using ambiguous language, avoiding specific details, and generalizing ideas. This can be intentional, to avoid commitment or to conceal information, or unintentional, arising from a lack of clarity or understanding. The goal of Vaguing can vary from evading responsibility to creating a sense of mystery. However, it typically leaves the audience unsure of the precise meaning and often frustrated or confused. It's a communication style where precision is sacrificed for either ambiguity, ambiguity is sacrificed for either precision and sometimes for brevity.

Vaguing meaning with examples

• The politician, when asked about specific policy changes, responded by saying 'We're exploring all options and considering various approaches to address the evolving situation.' This Vaguing allowed them to avoid committing to a concrete plan, buying time and flexibility while still appearing responsive to the question. The vagueness masked a lack of a definitive position.
• During the meeting, the project manager offered this unclear summary: 'Things are progressing, and we are making headway.' This sentence exemplifies Vaguing because it offers no details about specific accomplishments or challenges, leaving team members uncertain about the project's actual status. The vagueness hid real progress concerns and prevented accountability.
• In a heated argument, instead of clearly addressing the accusations, the person responded with statements such as: 'That's not entirely accurate', or, 'It's a complex situation.' These vague statements are examples of vaguing. The vagueness serves as a defensive tactic that fails to give the accuser enough information.
• The author, trying to create an enigmatic atmosphere, uses sentences like, 'Shadows danced in the periphery, and something was amiss.' This literary Vaguing creates a sense of suspense by hinting at unseen threats and mysterious events, leaving the reader to fill in the gaps with their imagination. The vagueness is used as a plot tool.