standard Mandarin (historical); bureaucratic jargon
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
official language; standard Mandarin (historical)
formalA historical term for Modern Standard Mandarin (Putonghua). It is based on the northern dialects spoken by officials. Still used in historical or linguistic contexts.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Guanhua was the language used by the imperial court and officials.
In linguistic studies, Guanhua is a major branch of the Sinitic languages.
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Guanhua dialects cover most of northern China.
noun
bureaucratic jargon; officialese; red tape language
neutralRefers to the formal, vague, or evasive language stereotypically used by government officials or bureaucrats to avoid giving clear answers.
His answers to the media were all bureaucratic jargon and platitudes.
Don't give me the bureaucratic runaround, just tell me straight if the problem can be solved.
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This document is full of officialese and is very confusing to read.