formalese

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search

English

[edit]

Etymology

[edit]

From formal +‎ -ese.

Noun

[edit]

formalese (uncountable)

  1. The style of language used in formal contexts.
    • 1946 December 6, “Letter Written in 1842 Tells of Life in Stowe”, in The Daily Messenger, number 274, St. Albans, Vt., page 4-A:
      In the intricate formalese that marked relations between friends of the time, Mr. Washburn told Miss Hyde of his appreciation for a previous letter of hers and remarked on how it had buoyed up his spirit.