Ideograph (rhetoric)

Ideograph (rhetoric)

An ideograph or virtue word is a word frequently used in political discourse that uses an abstract concept to develop support for political positions. Such words are usually terms that do not have a clear definition but are used to give the impression of a clear meaning. Such examples include liberty and rights.

The term ideograph was coined by rhetorical scholar and critic Michael Calvin McGee describing the use of particular words and phrases as political language in a way that captures (as well as creates or reinforces) particular ideological positions. McGee sees the ideograph as a way of understanding of how specific, concrete instances of political discourse relate to the more abstract idea of political ideology.

Read more about Ideograph (rhetoric):  Definition, Examples, Importance, Critical Use of Ideographs