Figleaf (linguistics)
In linguistics, a figleaf is defined as language used to prevent a bigoted statement from being perceived as bigoted, for example, that a person making a racist statement is not racist. This includes plausible deniability, and can contribute to double standards. Figleaves may be used in regards to race, ethnicity, religion, and sex, causing them to "facilitat[e] the spread of racist speech". Figleaves may be caused by in-group bias as a part of in-group and out-group dynamics. For a figleaf to occur, users of figleaves must not have been intentionally used to manipulate their audience .