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The 2008 Political Lexicon

December 28th, 2007 by ThunderDragon

The Centre for Policy Studies has produced a lexicon of contemporary “Newspeak”, telling us what politicians really mean. Some of the best are below:

Anti-social behaviour: anything of which the Government does not approve…
Britishness: any combination of values which a politician wants to promote…
Celebrate (as in to celebrate achievements): to use taxpayers’ money to promote the Government…
Dialogue (meaningful): the pretence of genuine two-way communication…
Empowerment: ensuring that citizens do what the Government wants…
Guidance: government interference…
Legacy (leave a lasting): the next Government will pick up the bill…
Let’s be absolutely clear: I have no evidence to support the following contention but will not be contradicted.
Off message: independent, telling the truth…
Truth: that which cannot be disproved with the available evidence…
Vision: useful to have when short of policies…

Also included are a few which are immensely reminiscent of yes, Minister:

Open Government: letting people see the bits of government of which the Government is not ashamed
Under consideration (the matter is under consideration): we have lost the file.

Required reading, I think! Download it here.

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1 Response to “The 2008 Political Lexicon”

  1. Shades

    You can buy it for a Fiver as well!
    I read it yesterday but was too depressed with the familiarity of its contents to blog about it.

    Comment on Dec 29th, 2007 at 8:04 pm   
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