What does journalese mean?
Journalese is the name given to the characteristic style, vocabulary, and phrasing of journalistic writing. It is often used critically to describe formulaic, impersonal, or clichéd prose associated with newspapers and news magazines, especially when wording seems designed to sound authoritative without adding precision. In less pejorative use, it can refer neutrally to the conventions of a newsroom or the specialized vocabulary of journalists. The expression is now standard in both British and American English. It is especially useful for discussing how a publication establishes a recognizable voice, whether through stock phrases, attribution formulas, or compressed headline style. Recognizing journalese helps readers distinguish genuine informational content from language that merely fills space. It also explains why politicians, public relations writers, and other speakers may be criticized for speaking in “journalese”: the style can make communication feel more official and less personal without necessarily making it less persuasive.
nounThe characteristic style, vocabulary, and phrasing of journalistic writing, especially formulaic or impersonal prose associated with newspapers and news magazines. It can also refer more narrowly to the jargon used by journalists.
- The distinctive style, vocabulary, and conventions of journalistic writing, especially clichéd, formulaic, or impersonal prose.
- The specialized jargon used by journalists and newsroom personnel.
"The editorial urged politicians to avoid journalese and explain their policies in plain language."
"His speech was filled with journalese, offering broad reassurance but little practical information."
"The guide explains the abbreviations and technical vocabulary that make up much newsroom journalese."
The plural is possible in formal count uses, but journalese is overwhelmingly used as an uncountable mass noun.
"The study compares the journaleses used in British and American reporting."
Journalese is journalism’s fingerprint: distinctive enough to be mocked, useful enough to be recognized.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does journalese come from?
Journalese is an English formation of the 19th century, combining journal with the suffix -ese in the sense “language or style of.” The base journal entered English from French journal, meaning “diary” and also a daily record or periodical, and underlies the related forms journalism and journalist. Journalese originally referred to the characteristic style of journal writing and later developed broader associations with journalistic language and conventions.
How journalese is actually used
The term is often critical or ironic, particularly when it suggests inflated, impersonal, or stereotypically journalistic wording. It can also be used neutrally when discussing journalistic conventions or specialized media vocabulary.
Easily confused with journalese
Journalism is the profession and practice of producing news or other media, whereas journalese is a style of expression associated with such writing.