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spin

spin /spɪn/

nounverbC1SATGRETOEFLIELTS

InformalNeutral

A particular bias, interpretation, or point of view, especially one presented in the media to influence public opinion.

Spin implies a deliberate manipulation of how information is presented to favor a particular viewpoint, often by emphasizing certain aspects and downplaying others, without necessarily outright lying.

The story behind the word. The word 'spin' comes from Old English 'spinnan,' meaning 'to draw out' or 'extend,' originally referring to the act of drawing out fibers to make thread. In the late 19th century, it acquired a sense related to sports, like 'putting spin on a ball' to make it curve. By the 1980s, this metaphorical 'curve' was applied to public relations and politics, meaning to present information in a way that gives it a particular bias or interpretation, making it 'curve' towards a desired perception.

Word relationships

slant: Presenting information from a particular viewpoint, often subtly, to influence opinion.
framing: The way an issue is presented to the audience, influencing how it is understood.
propaganda: Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause.

objectivity: The quality of being objective; freedom from bias.
transparency: The condition of being transparent; openness.
candor: The quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness.

Commonly confused with

lie: Spin manipulates presentation without necessarily outright lying; a lie is a direct falsehood.

Word family

spin doctor (noun): A person responsible for ensuring that others interpret an event or statement in a way that is favorable to their own position.

Collocations

political spin
positive spin
negative spin
put a spin on
spin doctor

Idioms & expressions

spin a yarn
spin out of control

Example sentences

"After the debate, both campaigns tried to put their own spin on the candidate's performance, highlighting strengths and downplaying weaknesses." Discussing political communication.
"The company's press release was a masterclass in spin, making a significant loss sound like a minor setback." Analyzing a corporate announcement.

Memory hook

Politicians 'SPIN' a story to make it 'SPIN' in their favor, like a trick shot in billiards. Twist a story

When not to use

Do not use 'spin' for straightforward, factual reporting; it always suggests a manipulative intent.

Fun facts

The term 'spin doctor' emerged in the 1980s, particularly in American political journalism.
Spin is often contrasted with 'transparency,' which implies open and honest communication.

Explore more words

slant, Manipulation, distortion, equivocate, prevaricate, bias