During English class in my senior year of high school, we read the dystopian novel “1984” by George Orwell. Oceania, the totalitarian state ruled by the ever-watchful Big Brother, has policies in place to limit freedom of thought, speech, and any possible opposition. Big Brother’s regime attacks these freedoms through regulating the official party language, Newspeak. In Newspeak, the vocabulary is periodically reduced, words are increasingly noncomplex and less critical, and nuance within language is lost. The word "bad" becomes "ungood" and "great" becomes "plusgood."
By eliminating words that are precise in meaning and limiting the opportunity in which individuals can critique the state, the avenues of dissent are diminished or lost completely. By not allowing people the vocabulary to think deeper and form opinions, society over time becomes less intelligent, emotionally inept, and easier to control.
Orwell wrote “1984” over 75 years ago, but its core message is just as relevant in 2026. The concept of Newspeak is reflected through the multitude of euphemisms used today in the media and by politicians. Saying that a company is "downsizing" instead of stating that employees are being "fired" softens the blow. Using "pacification" as opposed to a "violent suppression," and "collateral damage" instead of "death" seemingly reduces the severity of actual events.
President Trump recently referring to the bombing of Iran as his little "excursion" would lead one to believe that he was on a little trip, instead of engaging in military force. Media giants and politicians say things that are deviations from the truth to make themselves look better... what's new? In that regard, nothing. However, as society accepts these euphemisms and real-world Newspeak, we are in danger of becoming increasingly apathetic about painful issues.
The deceptive language that is being used on a large scale has a profound impact on our society. To ignore the truth, to turn a blind eye and not call out imprecise language allows the trend of obfuscation to continue.
In “1984” the evolution of Newspeak took time. It wasn’t overnight; instead it was done by cutting certain words year by year and changing definitions. In our world, if certain euphemisms are used repeatedly, we disconnect from the true meaning of events and become susceptible to the language chosen by others. By investing in our vocabulary and digging into the true stories behind headlines, we can change the course we are on.
“1984” was a warning. It is up to us as individuals to avoid the indifference needed for modern Newspeak to flourish, by looking beyond face value and caring about the deeper meaning of the words being used.
