Definition
A speech prepared but never delivered, kept in one's pocket for posterity and the Congressional Record. It's how legislators take credit for things they said without the inconvenience of actually saying them to anyone.
Example Usage
Unable to get floor time, the representative submitted her pocket speech opposing the bill, ensuring her constituents could read her brave stance that changed nothing.
Origin
From the literal practice of keeping prepared remarks in one's pocket when unable to deliver them on the floor
Fun Fact
The Congressional Record is full of pocket speeches, making it the world's most expensive collection of things nobody said out loud.
Source: Legislative procedure terminology
Related Terms
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See “pocket speech” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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