[Lexicog] Spin or spin doctor

[fieldworks_support at SIL.ORG]

I doubt if it came from "spin a yarn". That is an old folksy type
expression, while the modern use of "spin" or "spin doctor" in political
discussions is a very modern term.  And it generally doesn't mean "lie",
but it means stressing the favorable impression out of a fact which could
be interpreted either favorably or unfavorably towards your cause.

My guess is the first time it was used was in an expression "put a
favorable spin on", and was an image from sports such as tennis where the
ball can be hit in such a way that it spins, resulting in a more favorable
bounce for the player who spins it.

Steve White, Jaars language software support
704-843-6337, 1-800-215-7813




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