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Election Speak: Untenable
In the run-up to elections, politicians will often use words pregnant with meaning – if only to obnubilate voters. Obnubilate? Of course, obnubilate. Obnubilate is an example of a such a word meant to confuse; it actually means to confuse. In order to sort through the inevitable obnubilation of the looming election-speak, Torontoist will act as a Canadian political word-a-day calendar. Our first entry came yesterday when PM Paul M spoke to reporters on the subject of forcing an election.
un·ten·a·ble (n-tn-bl)
adj.
1. Being such that defense or maintenance is impossible: an untenable position.
2. Being such that occupation or habitation is impossible: untenable quarters.
Usage: “The proposal that was put forward yesterday by the opposition leaders is untenable,” Martin told reporters..
Analysis: Mr. Martin is using the word ‘untenable’ in reference to the opposition forcing an election campaign over the holidays. Mr. Martin believes this action would be an indefensible one.
(AP Photo/Fred Chartrand-CP)