3

Something that is used by few but required by agency. For example, the directions on how to use Reddi-Wip (whipped cream in a canister) takes up most of the backside of a Reddi-Wip can, however, I would bet most people never read these directions. I bet the same could be said for the ingredients of consumables that could surely be replaced by a QR code. Unnecessary is a fit, however, it does not imply a requirement by agency.

Example sentence:

Unfortunately, the ________ verbiage can't be removed.

Improve this question
10

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
4

The word “regulatory” serves, here:

The regulatory verbiage can’t be removed.

Since you’re specifically talking about a regulatory agency’s legal requirement, this word conveys more than “legalese” does. Legalese isn’t always required, someone might add it just to try to cover their butt, but regulations require the kind of message you’re talking about. It is “boilerplate” text, too, but that doesn’t explain why it can’t be removed.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    Actually, I think "regulatory boilerplate" is the best permutation from all the suggestions so far. That's a link to half a dozen written instances of the collocation.
    – FumbleFingers
    Commented Nov 2 at 11:06
4

I think that the word you are referring to is "formality"

A formality is something that is done in accordance with a routine. In many cases, these routines are formally institutionalized by an organization, such as an agency. "Formality" also carries the connotation of being unnecessary.

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    I am going to go with legalese from the other answer only because using it in a sentience such as "...the legalese printed on the back of consumer goods." would convey the meaning better IMO than "...the formality printed on the back of consumer goods.". Sorry, my question and intended use was not stated. Thanks for this answer!
    – Ross Bush
    Commented Nov 1 at 18:53
  • @RossBush: I shouldn't have closevoted and then posted an answer, so i've voted to reopen. But I doubt others will support that unless you edit your actual question text to include more information about the exact context where you want to use the sought term. Bear in mind that if you edit the question as requested, and it does get reopened, someone might come up with a better alternative!
    – FumbleFingers
    Commented Nov 1 at 19:02
4

Neither term exactly and only fits OP's context, but I might call it...

boilerplate
written text that can be reused in new contexts or applications without significant changes to the original

...because often nobody really cares exactly what the text means in any given context, so it's often just generic "one size fits all" information.

OR...

legalese
language used by lawyers and in legal documents that is difficult for ordinary people to understand

...because it's often a legal requirement that the text should include certain information (such as the worthless / meaningless "Terms and conditions apply" appended to many advertisements).

The two can be combined to give boilerplate legalese, obviously.

Improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .