A Glossary of Timespeak

The time has come to begin compiling a glossary of Timespeak, the language of the New York Times that is quite incomprehensible to ordinary mortals, and even to the wise men of Chelm. Here is the first entry:

"A consensus is emerging." This means, "The New York Times editorial board has reached the following conclusion, and has tracked down appropriate experts to provide confirmatory quotes." As in the following example from today's paper:

"GAZA — Three years after Israel and Egypt imposed an embargo on this tormented Palestinian strip, shutting down its economy, a consensus has emerged that the attempt to weaken the governing party, Hamas, and drive it from power has failed."

Using our Magic Translating Eightball, this is easily understood:

"GAZA — Three years after Israel and Egypt imposed an embargo on Hamas, The New York Times editorial board has concluded that the attempt to drive it from power has failed. The rest of this article is composed of confirmatory quotes from our experts, and no countervailing information that might confuse the reader."