Meaning of virtue signalling | Babel Free

Definitions

The practice of expressing a particular opinion or performing a particular action in an attempt to make oneself look virtuous: commonly defensively in response to, or anticipation of, criticism; or aggressively, in assuming a moral posture in attacking an opponent.

derogatory, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“People of poor personal character may mistake⟳ all virtue for virtue signalling because they cannot even imagine⟳ anyone truly having the relevant virtues but they are quite familiar with the concept of pretending to have⟳ traits for malevolent reasons.”

“Corporate Social Responsibility as Competitive Virtue Signalling: Ethical Implications”

“The poster goes on to assert: ‘We are part of a growing consciousness that is bigger than food — one that champions what’s good.’ This a particularly blatant example of the increasingly common phenomenon of what might be called ‘virtue signalling’ — indicating that you are kind, decent and virtuous.”

“Conservative assembly member Andrew Boff said the ban was “reckless” at a time when TfL was facing a £1 billion deficit. “This is yet another example of the Mayor indulging in pointless virtue signalling and grandstanding,” he said.”

“Virtue-signalling, for those who have⟳ never felt drawn to the term, is the apparently modern crime of trying to be seen doing the right thing. The implication is that the virtue-signaller does not really believe⟳ what they are saying but simply wishes to be admired as a good person.”

“Sometimes, she’s sceptical: the virtue-signalling can be a little forced, a little on point⟳. She names no names, obviously, but describes, tantalisingly, "a couple of people who are like⟳ real activists, really at the forefront of progress⟳, and I’m like⟳, 'You are a deplorable fraud! And all you really care about is people looking at you.'"”

“The virtue-signaling invites cynicism over whether it is actually just a new means of advertising to Gen Z and millennials, two consumer groups deeply invested in issues of gender, sexuality and race⟳.”

“The governor went to have⟳ a dig⟳ at Trump. “Government is not entertainment,” he said. “It’s not about building a brand or virtue signaling.””

CEFR level