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