langue de bois — meaning in English

English meaning

• cant noun The specialized jargon of a particular trade, class, or group.
• waffle noun A crisp pastry with a grid pattern, usually eaten hot with syrup or toppings.

Senses

langue de bois is used for these senses in English:

• bureaucratese (informal, pejorative) A style of language, used by bureaucrats, that involves jargon or euphemism to the detriment of broader understanding.
• cant (uncountable, pejorative) Empty, hypocritical talk.
• waffle (colloquial) (Often lengthy) speech or writing that is evasive or vague, or pretentious.

cant — full definition

1. noun The specialized jargon of a particular trade, class, or group.
2. noun Insincere or hypocritical talk, especially moralizing speech.
3. noun A tilt, slope, or angled position.
4. verb To tilt or set something at an angle.

waffle — full definition

1. noun A crisp pastry with a grid pattern, usually eaten hot with syrup or toppings.
2. verb To talk or write in a vague, long-winded way without getting to the point.
3. verb To be indecisive; to keep changing your mind.

Related French words