Wordwashing occurs when a negative tone "washes" over to taint the words expressed. This causes the listener to respond defensively, rather than seek understanding. The expressor then responds with frustration at having their feelings and words “washed” away and dismissed. The expresser then accuses the listener of "wordwashing" which only convinces the listener that the expresser has finally lost ability to rationally express, and is impossible to understand.
In a frustrated tone she expressed to her partner, "I feel misunderstood by you!" He translates this as, “You are a frustrating person!” And defensively replies, “I don’t understand you anymore!” She shoots back, “That’s my point, you don't understand me!” He confusingly replies, “You need to calm down!” She explodes, "Stop wordwashing me!" He scoffs back, "That's not even a real word!" Unbridled madness takes her over, "It will be after I submit it to Urban Dictionary!!!”
by The Jo Effect August 17, 2025
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