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Loaded language, or loaded words, are words or phrases which can be interpreted in different, and sometimes contradictory, manners. Such words and phrases are ambiguous, or emotional in nature. The terms cover spin, euphemisms, and doublespeak.

However, perhaps what defines this broader term from some of the sub-terms it covers is the fact that - where (for instance) "spin" and "doublespeak" are often percieved as being political or military terms, "loaded language" extends into conversational and colloquial English.

"Loaded language" as an umbrella term is also more expansive in usage than any of the terms it covers, for example, doublespeak. Loaded words - with their different interpretations - are already in everyday use; and thus the words associated with loaded language aren't necessarily deliberately constructed.

Another example of popular use of loaded language is in relation to politeness.

Examples

Some examples of loaded words include:

Degerated terms:

Liberty -->"liberal"

NPOV --> "delete"

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