Shrouded in Silence: The Enigmatic “No Comment” 😶
No comment - I don’t want to talk about it. This ambiguous reply to a question one doesn’t wish to answer originated in the mid-twentieth century among politicians and diplomats responding to journalists or interviewers. It soon began to be used more widely by other public figures and is fast approaching the status of a cliché.
Similar Terms and Related Expressions:
- Pleading the Fifth: Refusing to answer on the grounds that one might incriminate oneself, famously used in legal settings.
- Taking the Fifth: Another way of saying you’re staying silent to avoid self-incrimination.
- No words: Often used when someone is too shocked or upset to say anything.
- Mum’s the word: Keep it a secret; don’t tell anyone.
Quotes:
- “Silence is the ultimate weapon of power.” – Charles de Gaulle
- “No comment is a splendid expression. I am using it again and again.” – Winston Churchill
Educational Tidbits:
- Proverb Insight: “Silence is golden.”
- Meaning: Speaking isn’t always necessary or advantageous; sometimes it’s better to stay silent.
- Cultural Reflection: This proverb appears in many forms across languages, highlighting the universal value placed on thoughtful silence.
Suggested Literature and Media:
- Books: “The Politics of Silence” by L. Shakespeare Smith
- Songs: “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel
- Movies: “All the President’s Men” (1976) - a film about journalists uncovering political scandal.
- Poetry: “Silence” by Edgar Lee Masters
### Which of these phrases means essentially the same as 'no comment'?
- [x] Pleading the Fifth
- [ ] Singing like a canary
- [ ] Running off at the mouth
- [ ] Shouting from the rooftops
> **Explanation:** "Pleading the Fifth" is keeping silent to avoid self-incrimination; the others involve lots of talking!
### What profession notoriously popularized 'no comment'?
- [x] Politicians
- [ ] Meteorologists
- [ ] Mechanics
- [ ] Chefs
> **Explanation:** Politicians, particularly when caught in sticky situations, often opt for 'no comment' to dodge tricky questions.
### True or False: The phrase 'no comment' can hint at guilt without explicit admission.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Staying silent often raises suspicion, as humans tend to read into the silence as much as they would from words.
### Which book title fits the theme of staying silent?
- [x] The Politics of Silence by L. Shakespeare Smith
- [ ] The Loudest Voice by Sarah Roar
- [ ] Speak Your Mind by J. Outspoken
- [ ] Shout Out Loud by P. Trumpet
> **Explanation:** "The Politics of Silence" clearly correlates with themes centered on withholding commentary or information.
Inspirational Thought-provoking Farewell
Remember, sometimes the loudest statements are made in silence. Just as words can build or destroy, silence can protect, provoke curiosity, or make one ponder. In life’s conversations, choose your silences as carefully as you choose your words. See you in our next exploration of the fascinating language universe!
Cheers, L. Literaria
