Bureaucratese

/ˌbjʊərəkrætəˈziːz/ noun

Definition

The confusing, overly formal language typical of bureaucrats and government officials.

Etymology

From bureaucrat (from French bureaucratie, bureau + -cratie) + -ese (suffix meaning language or manner of speaking), created to satirize official jargon.

Kelly Says

Bureaucratese often uses passive voice and unnecessary complexity intentionally—it protects officials by making it unclear who actually made decisions.

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