chicanery
What does "chicanery" mean?
Chicanery refers to the use of trickery, deception, or sophisticated but dishonest arguments to achieve a political, financial, or legal goal. The mental image is of someone weaving a tangled web of confusing jargon or technicalities to hide the truth or manipulate a situation to their advantage. It is a formal term, often found in legal or political commentary. You would use it when describing someone who is being intentionally evasive or engaging in "dirty tricks" rather than being straightforward. It implies a high level of cunning and often carries a negative, moral judgment.
"chicanery" in conversation
Discussing a business deal
Do you think their contract terms are legitimate?
Do you think their contract terms are legitimate?
Not at all. It's pure chicanery designed to hide the hidden fees.
Not at all. It's pure chicanery designed to hide the hidden fees.
Used to highlight deceptive practices in a contract.
Political debate
The senator claims the budget shortfall is an accident.
The senator claims the budget shortfall is an accident.
That is political chicanery; the numbers were manipulated months ago.
That is political chicanery; the numbers were manipulated months ago.
Used to label political manipulation.
"chicanery" in a sentence
The lawyer was accused of using legal chicanery to delay the trial.
The lawyer was accused of using legal chicanery to delay the trial.
The public was tired of the constant chicanery displayed by the corrupt administration.
The public was tired of the constant chicanery displayed by the corrupt administration.
Despite his reputation for financial chicanery, he managed to convince the board of his sincerity.
Despite his reputation for financial chicanery, he managed to convince the board of his sincerity.
