verbalism

Etymology

From verbal + -ism.

verbalism means the expression of a concept in words; the wording used in such an expression. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 88 out of 100.

Why “verbalism” is a great word

VERBALISM — [Noun] The wording used to express a concept, or the excessive and meaningless use of words. From English 'verbal' (relating to words) + the suffix '-ism' (denoting a practice or system). First attested in 1787. Unlike 'verbatim,' which demands exact correspondence, or 'verbiage,' which condemns a tedious overflow, verbalism can neutrally name the phrasing itself or critically target its hollow excess. It is the dry rustle of policy documents that say everything and nothing, the hollow buzzwords filling a corporate memo, and the elegant but impenetrable jargon of an academic treatise—the haunting suspicion that we are often just arranging air.

noun

The expression of a concept in words; the wording used in such an expression
The excessive use of words, often with little meaning