As the West surges toward electric cars, here’s where the unwanted gas guzzlers go

“Gas guzzler” is a phrase used by reporters. There is no official definition of the term “gas guzzler” other than a car with low fuel efficiency – but compared to what?

The article begins by describing a 2008 Ford Escape and implies the Escape is a “Gas guzzler” – which per the EPA, and depending on the model,  configuration and use, has an mpg range of 18 to 34 miles per gallon! In this example, the term “gas guzzler” is intended as a negative.

“Gas guzzler” is emotive wording, intended and used to elicit a response from the reader. It is not neutral language – it is propaganda messaging.

An old law informally known as a “Gas Guzzler Tax“, applies a tax to car makers for vehicles exceeding 22.5 mpg. That’s as close as there is to an official definition. By that definition, a 2008 Ford Escape is not a gas guzzler.

I previously wrote about “weasel words” – and this is another example of weasel words.