Circumlocution: an indirect way of speaking when you would rather avoid speaking clearly, speaking directly, or getting to the point. An evasive way of speaking.
Try to get a straight answer out of a politician. Good luck. Politicians are known for their circumlocution. Which reminds me of my favorite quote on politicians:
“Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself.” – Mark Twain
Circumlocution comes from two Latin words. Circum means around. Loquor, which means “I speak” also gives us the English words eloquence, allocution, and obloquy.
