Is there a term for when you don't really answer a question, but it seems like it?
1 Answer
There are many terms - see below for some examples
Explanation:
The more I dug into this, the more I found. There are a number of terms that are out there that not only refer to not answering a question, but in how you do it.
I started thinking that non-answer was a good one - it refers to the obvious non-answering of a question, such as:
How are babies born? Storks.
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NonAnswer
And then I found this link and they have several good ideas on the subject.
Skirting the issue refers to not answering the main concern raised and rather answering a side-issue:
The community is concerned that my factory is polluting the water and turning it bright blue? Clearly I am concerned and will look into methods of mitigating the colour of the water. Next question!
Being evasive is another term - this one is much like skirting the issue but being more obvious:
Did I study for two hours like I was supposed to? I got my work done.
And there's others: deflection, ducking the question, pivoting, obfuscation, and more.
