Question

Explain the difference between a weaseler and a downplayer. Find a clear example of each in a newspaper, magazine, or other source. Next find an example of a phrase that is sometimes used as a weaseler or downplayer, but that is used appropriately or neutrally in the context of your example.

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary. These articles are mostly political, if you would like to switch to another genre you may simply change the article.

(Answer) Weasler – A person who may not have been invited or received a perfunctory invite to an event. This person is generally one whose presence is not wanted. In other words, a “persona non grata.”

For example – (Source: Donald Trump 'tried to invite himself to Chelsea Clinton's wedding by calling Bill's aide and asking for directions')

Downplayer – An individual or organisation that tries to make an event seem less important or serious than it is. It is the opposite of a Weasler.

For Example – (Source: Trump's false claims about the polar ice caps by Dan Merica and Brandon Miller, CNN) This is an example where reporters are not downplaying an occurrence but rather talking about individuals who are downplaying it.