circumlocution

/ˈsʌrkəmˈloʊˌkjuʃən/

/səkəmləʊˈkjuʃɪn/

Other forms: circumlocutions

Circumlocution is a long, complicated word which means a long, complicated way of expressing something. To cut to the chase, circumlocution means beating around the bush.

Circumlocution comes from the Latin words circum, "circle," and loqui, "to speak." So circumlocution is speaking in circles, going round and round in a wordy way without ever getting to the heart of the matter. It's an evasive style of argument, best employed when you really don't want to say what's on your mind.

Definitions of circumlocution

1. noun

   an indirect way of expressing something
   synonyms: indirect expression

   type of:

   equivocation, evasion

   a statement that is not literally false but that cleverly avoids an unpleasant truth
2. noun

   a style that involves indirect ways of expressing things
   synonyms: ambage, periphrasis

   type of:

   verboseness, verbosity

   an expressive style that uses excessive or empty words