In George Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language” what is the “B.B.C. Timidity”?

Thank you.

That probably refers to the British Broadcasting Company, which Orwell apparently believes is conservative and afraid to tackle tough issues.

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Would Orwell's reference to the 17th century Shelley perhaps be the author of Frankenstein?

Yes.

In George Orwell's "Politics and the English Language," the term "B.B.C. Timidity" refers to the cautious and overly conservative style of language that Orwell believed was prevalent in the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) during his time.

To understand this reference, you can read the essay "Politics and the English Language" by George Orwell. In the essay, Orwell criticizes the way language is used, particularly in political discourse, and argues for more clarity and honesty in writing. He suggests that institutions like the BBC contribute to what he calls "B.B.C. Timidity" by using vague, euphemistic, and excessively ornate language that conceals the true meaning of statements.

By reading Orwell's essay, you will gain a clearer understanding of his arguments and the specific details he provides regarding the use of language by the BBC. This will help you grasp the concept of "B.B.C. Timidity" in the context of his critique.