Emotive Language
Category: Loaded Language
What is it?
Emotive language uses words chosen specifically for their emotional impact rather than their literal meaning. It aims to influence the audience's feelings and attitudes rather than appealing to reason or evidence.
Examples
'The brutal dictator slaughtered innocent civilians' vs. 'The leader's forces killed civilians'
'Brave freedom fighters' vs. 'armed insurgents'
How to Avoid This
When discussing controversial topics, try to use neutral language that accurately describes events without unnecessary emotional loading.
How to Counter This
Restate using more neutral terms: 'If we set aside the emotional language, we're talking about a military action that resulted in civilian deaths.'