Definition

Noun: - A style of writing or language considered characteristic of newspapers and journalism, often marked by clichés, sensationalism, simplified syntax, and formulaic phrasing.

Usage

The term "journalese" is typically used in a critical or analytical context to describe the distinctive, and often clichéd, language found in mass-market journalism. It is a neutral-to-negative descriptor focusing on stylistic habits rather than content quality.

Examples

• The article was full of tired journalese, using phrases like "storm of controversy" and "financial meltdown."
• Academics often criticize the oversimplification and sensationalism of journalese.
• He tried to avoid journalese in his reporting, striving for more original and precise language.

Advanced Usage

• As a stylistic critique: The term is frequently used by media critics, linguists, and careful writers to point out lazy or hyperbolic writing conventions within the news industry.
  • The editor's memo warned against slipping into easy journalese when covering the complex economic policy.

Variants and Related Words

• Journalism (n): The activity or profession of writing for newspapers, magazines, or news websites or of broadcasting news.
• Journalistic (adj): Relating to journalism or journalists.
  • She adopted a journalistic style for the blog post.

Synonyms

• Newspaper prose
• Hackneyed prose (emphasizes the clichéd aspect)
• Reportorial style (more neutral)

Antonyms

• Literary prose
• Academic writing
• Plain English

Related Idioms/Phrases

• To write in journalese: To employ the characteristic, often clichéd, style of newspaper writing.
  • Under deadline pressure, even experienced writers can start to write in journalese.

Noun

1. the style in which newspapers are written