Part of having good media literacy skills is to know when words are being used to imply a statement, when its true meaning does not support it. This is a good example.

“That’s outrageous!”

A term used by some media and politicians. Usually during a scandal. Often used by a politician or political operative to imply a sense of “that’s not true,” which it does not mean. For instance, I can sleep with your wife and when confronted say, “That’s outrageous.”

It is outrageous. Outrageous as in that, by definition, I can say that it’s bold and daring that you claim that I slept with your wife. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean it’s not true.

Politicians often use it to push back and hold back further accusations from people by expressing outrage, injury or anger. Sort of like an animal roaring fiercely and threatening to show its claws as if it’s about to attack when, in reality, it’s hoping its roar and stance will hold its opponent at bay. Especially when they feel they can’t make a solid denial that might openly catch them in a lie. So to employ good media literacy skills, when you hear it, look past the sense of outrage on display and look for the facts.

For more about this and to learn more about media literacy skills and avoid what I call “mental obesity,” read my book Does This News Make Me Look Fat? It’s available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the iBookstore.