What something will look like to the outside world; the perception a public relations person would have on something. First seen (at least by me) in article by Equity Private on finance blog dealbreaker
CEO of Bank: We definitely should have all of our best mortgage brokers to Vegas for the week just like we've done for the last ten years.
PR Flack - yes, but consider the optics.
PR Flack - yes, but consider the optics.
by Chebyshev February 7, 2009
Get the optics mug.The viewing lens of public perception. How the media will play a story. Political repercussions are all about optics. Bad optics would be giving the media or the political opposition a juicy story to play with.
"The optics of a Solyndra default will be bad," according to a Jan. 31 email from an Office of Management and Budget staffer printed in the Washington Post. "If Solyndra defaults down the road, the optics will arguably be worse later than they would be today. … In addition, the timing will likely coincide with the 2012 campaign season heating up."
by vvvbbb October 2, 2011
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The appearance and public perception of a certain situation or action, as was most recently used by the synagogue shooter in Pittsburgh on his social media post just before the horrible attack.
by Micony October 30, 2018
Get the Optics mug.by NukeEmWins January 10, 2020
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Often in a mainstream or social media setting, the way in which an event or process is perceived by others. Often related to the act of virtue signalling - optics are how a signal will be received/ "look".
Shell marketing exec (1): "we need to signal that our company is all about saving the planet, not making £8 Billion profit - and sponsoring those desperate muppets at British Cycling for a few million quid seems like a no brainer"
Shell marketing exec (2) "you've got it - the optics are great, although surely those fresh-air lycra boys won't buy it?!"
British Cycling: "thanks guys, you're so lovely, we cyclists always knew the oil industry was our friend"
Shell marketing exec (2) "you've got it - the optics are great, although surely those fresh-air lycra boys won't buy it?!"
British Cycling: "thanks guys, you're so lovely, we cyclists always knew the oil industry was our friend"
by Happydayseveryday November 3, 2022
Get the optics mug.Usually, in a mainstream or social media context, jargon to describe the way in which an event or process will be perceived. Often used with other political jargon - notably virtual signalling, where the "signal" is intended to generate a specific and ideally positive public association ("good optics").
Shell Exec (1): "We've just made £8 billion in profits from selling super-priced oil, and the northern hemisphere is heating up like crazy. We need to soften the optics. How about we chuck a few million quid at those desperate muppets at British Cycling?! Worth a shot?"
Shell Exec (2): "Blatant virtue signalling - you never fail Hank - I think that could be the most transparent bit of greenwashing in history! But those lycra boys will never buy it..."
British Cycling official: "wow, thanks, guys; we always knew the oil industry was really nice."
Shell Exec (2): "Blatant virtue signalling - you never fail Hank - I think that could be the most transparent bit of greenwashing in history! But those lycra boys will never buy it..."
British Cycling official: "wow, thanks, guys; we always knew the oil industry was really nice."
by Happydayseveryday November 3, 2022
Get the optics mug.