Figleaf (linguistics)

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In linguistics, a figleaf is defined as language used to prevent a bigoted statement from being perceived as bigoted,^[1][2] for example, that a person making a racist statement is not racist.^[2] This includes plausible deniability, and can contribute to double standards. Figleaves may be used in regards to race, ethnicity, religion, and sex, causing them to "facilitat[e] the spread of racist speech". Figleaves may be caused by in-group bias as a part of in-group and out-group dynamics. For a figleaf to occur, users of figleaves must not have been intentionally used to manipulate their audience ^{[citation needed]}. Figleaves have "seriously damaging consequences, regardless of what speakers intend".^[1] The concept of a figleaf was created by Jennifer Saul, who coined "racial figleaves" and "gender figleaves", who says that they come from the social norms, "Don't be racist" and "Don't be sexist".^[2]

Figleaves are used across the political spectrum. They may be a form of motte-and-bailey fallacy which can cause a claim to have multiple different understandings.^[1]