Glittering Generalities
Glittering Generalities: feel-good words with no concrete meaning.
How to spot it
Words everyone agrees with, used so you agree with the speaker: "freedom", "common sense", "working families", "our values", "a brighter future". Ask what exactly would change if the speaker got their way. If the answer isn't in the text, the fine words are standing in for it.
What doesn't count
Values are allowed in politics. "Survivors deserve justice" followed by what that means in law is argument. The technique is the value word with nothing concrete behind it.
Our model sometimes flags plain advocacy as this technique, "workers who built this country's wealth deserve a raise", for example. That's a known weakness we are working on, so check the context.
Real examples
Each was flagged by Semblen's model, then chosen to stay on this page, so the examples don't change from day to day. A quote in a news article may be the outlet reporting what someone else said, and an ad may be quoting its opponent. Follow each link to check it in context.
In the news
“the future of democracy is on the line”
“traditional British values of fairness, tolerance, and decency”
“against anything that makes America strong, healthy, and great again”
“steadfast commitment to the truth”
“one set of values, one way of seeing the world”
“Birthplace of Western Civilization”
In 2026 campaign ads
“faith, freedom, hope, opportunity, and above all, the American Dream”
“Leadership with integrity, common sense, and compassion”
“the values that built Nebraska: hard work, individual freedom, and opportunity”
“our faith, our freedom, and the Oklahoma values we share”
In government statements
“ambition is our heritage, greatness is our birthright, and the future belongs to us”
“MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN”
“GOLDEN AGE of public safety in America”
“secure our communities, lower housing costs, and protect your tax dollars”
“the greatest nation in the history of the world”
Related techniques
Something wrong or unclear on this page?
Tell us. A person reads every note. Use Yes / No under any example if it isn't really glittering generalities: two readers saying no takes it off the page.
Check something yourself
Paste an article, a speech or a video link into the analyzer and Semblen marks the words that use glittering generalities or any other technique, and says why. It flags rhetorical techniques, not political tilt.