schönrednerisch

Schönrednerisch is a German adjective that describes someone or something that attempts to make a bad situation sound better than it actually is, often through insincere or misleading language. It implies a deliberate effort to gloss over negative aspects or to present an overly optimistic, perhaps even deceitful, perspective. The term is derived from the German words "schön" (beautiful, nice) and "reden" (to speak, to talk), literally meaning "to speak nicely."

A schönrednerisch approach often involves downplaying problems, exaggerating minor successes, or using euphemisms to obscure unpleasant realities. It suggests a lack of genuine engagement with the difficulties at hand and an emphasis on superficial appearances. While someone might be described as schönrednerisch in their personal interactions, the term can also apply to political speeches, corporate statements, or any communication where the intent is to manage perception rather than to convey objective truth. The underlying tone is one of artifice and a potential lack of substance, aiming to create a more palatable but ultimately inaccurate picture of the situation.