journalese
journalese — noun
1. the particular way of writing found in newspapers, using short dramatic sentence
the particular way of writing found in newspapers, using short dramatic sentences, common fixed phrases, and words that are rarely used in other kinds of writing
The editor told the new reporter to avoid the tired journalese phrases in crime stories.
collocation: avoid journalese
Nadia's article was full of journalese — short sentences and dramatic verbs that felt rushed.
features: short sentences + dramatic verbs
After six months at the daily paper, Jabari could spot journalese in any news story.
Critics complain that journalese turns complex issues into simple stories with heroes and villains.
The journalism professor warned students that journalese makes writing sound lazy and predictable.
- newspaper style
broader and more neutral; describes any way newspapers write without implying criticism
- journalistic style
neutral term covering all forms of news writing, including broadcast and online
- headline style
narrower; refers only to the compressed grammar of newspaper headlines
- literary style
formal, carefully crafted writing typical of novels and essays
- plain English
simple, direct language without the dramatic or clichéd features of journalese
用法筆記
Often carries a critical tone. Calling something 'journalese' suggests the writing is lazy, full of clichés, or oversimplifies complex topics. The neutral alternative is 'journalistic style'.