fraasidega

Fraasidega is a term used in discussions of rhetoric and information integrity to describe a pattern where a claim is introduced with an aside or hedged remark that subtly frames the ensuing assertion, and may accompany or conceal a misleading or unverified statement. The term is not widely standardized and is used primarily in informal discourse, media literacy resources, and some online glossaries.

Origin and usage: Fraasidega appears to be a recent coinage with no established etymology. It is generally treated as a portmanteau or heuristic coined to describe a deception tactic. The concept is used to analyze texts where a seemingly peripheral remark primes the reader to accept a following assertion that is dubious.

Characteristics: Core features include a preface or aside that frames the main claim, an insinuated authority or consensus, and a subsequent assertion that may be false or unverifiable. The device relies on perceived credibility of the aside to soften scrutiny.

Examples: Example 1: "Some people argue that this policy is flawed; of course, we must consider all opinions." The hidden claim is presumed problematic but is never substantiated. Example 2: A press release includes a neutral-sounding line before presenting a misleading statistic as a 'fact' in the body.

Criticism: Some scholars argue that fraasidega lacks precise operational definition and risks conflating legitimate hedging with deceptive rhetoric. Others see it as a useful heuristic for teaching critical reading.

See also: misinformation, rhetorical device, hedging, propaganda, critical media literacy.