Just heard on a political debate program...


When eighty two year old Walter Wolfgang was ejected from the labour party conference during Jack Straw's carefully choreographed speech...

I know that choreographed is often used figuratively but does this wording sound a little odd to anyone else? It makes me think that Jack Straw was wearing a straw hat and carrying a cane and making his speech while doing a music hall dance routine.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BobHale,

It would make more sense if the word were "telegraphed". Look at definition 3b of telegraphed. http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=telegraph

I would have thought the same, Bob, but when I looked it up, it does seem to have a political meaning. Here is one example: "plan and oversee the development and details of; 'The meeting between the two Presidents had been carefully choreographed.'" Another is: "orchestrate: aides who choreographed the candidate's tour." However, at least in the latter, there is activity, so it makes more sense.

I think of choreograph as meaning "to plan a dance movement."