“The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. When there is a gap between one’s real and one’s declared aims, one turns, as it were, instinctively to long words and exhausted idioms, like a cuttlefish squirting out ink.”
- June 25, 1903 – January 21, 1950
- Born in India during the British colonial period
- Author, journalist
- Through his representative works “1984” and “Animal Farm,” he presented sharp criticism of totalitarianism and the abuse of power, greatly influencing contemporary literature and thought.
Quote
“The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. When there is a gap between one’s real and one’s declared aims, one turns, as it were, instinctively to long words and exhausted idioms, like a cuttlefish squirting out ink.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell argues that the great enemy of clear language is insincerity—when someone’s words do not reflect their true intentions or beliefs. Orwell suggests that when there is a disconnect between what a person truly wants or means and what they say, they often resort to complicated language, evasive phrases, and clichés to cover up their lack of honesty. The image of a cuttlefish squirting ink is a metaphor for how these long, vague words and tired idioms are used to obscure the truth, making it harder for others to see the real intentions behind the words. Orwell believes that clear language requires honesty and directness, and when people are not sincere, they rely on artificial language to hide their true purposes.
Orwell was particularly concerned with how language can be used as a tool for manipulation, especially in the realm of politics. In his essay Politics and the English Language, Orwell criticizes the use of jargon, euphemisms, and empty phrases in political discourse, which serve to obscure the real issues and mislead the public. He argues that when politicians or leaders are insincere—when they are not forthcoming with their real intentions—they turn to language that is intentionally vague, convoluted, or evasive to conceal the truth and avoid accountability. Orwell’s critique emphasizes that clear language is a tool for clarity and honesty, while insincere language is a means of manipulation and confusion.
This idea remains highly relevant today, especially in the context of political speech, media, and corporate communication, where complicated language and empty jargon are often used to obscure the real intentions of those in power. Orwell’s quote serves as a warning to be wary of language that doesn’t communicate the truth directly, especially when it is used to mask insincerity or to avoid clear answers. It encourages us to value honest communication, and to be critical of language that is designed not to inform but to distract, manipulate, or obfuscate the truth.
