Obfuscommunication

A calculated means of communication which relies entirely on actually saying nothing whilst appearing to engage in debate or conversation.

The aim of which is to hide the true meaning or details of what is being said or to avoid actually answering a question completely. This is often achieved via the means of answering a completely different question or by denying the validity of a fact, despite evidence to the contrary.

JEREMY PAXMAN:
Did you threaten Derek Lewis?

MICHAEL HOWARD:
I was not entitled to instruct Derek Lewis and I did not instruct him. And –

JEREMY PAXMAN:
Did you threaten to overrule him?

MICHAEL HOWARD:
- the truth of the matter is that Mr. Marriott was not suspended. I did not -

JEREMY PAXMAN:
Did you threaten to overrule him?

MICHAEL HOWARD:
I did not overrule Derek Lewis.

JEREMY PAXMAN:
Did you threaten to overrule him?

MICHAEL HOWARD:
I took advice.

JEREMY PAXMAN:
You're a master of obfuscommunication, Mr Howard.

by Pons Alias February 4, 2013