Template:Weasel/doc

This is a documentation subpage for Weasel. It contains usage information, categories, and other content that is not part of the original template.

Inline editorial tag for sentences that use vague or unattributed framing to project authority. Renders as [weasel words] in superscript with a link to the project policy page.

Usage

Place the tag immediately after the offending phrase, not at the end of the sentence.

Some scholars argue{{Weasel}} that cannabis arrived in Cambodia via Indian Ocean trade.

Renders as:

Some scholars argue^{[weasel words]} that cannabis arrived in Cambodia via Indian Ocean trade.

Parameters

date: Optional. Month and year the tag was added, surfaced as a muted suffix. Useful for tracking how long claims have sat unresolved.

Many growers prefer{{Weasel|date=May 2026}} sativa-dominant landraces for hash production.

When to use

Aggregate framings with no named source: "some experts", "many scholars", "it is widely believed", "studies suggest", "growers report".
Passive constructions that hide the attribution: "is considered to be", "is thought to be".
Numerical vagueness used to imply consensus: "a number of", "a growing body of work".

When not to use

The sentence has a citation but is unverified against the source. Use {{Verify source}}.
The sentence has no source at all. Use {{Citation needed}}.
The sentence is interpretive synthesis rather than a vague attribution. Use {{Original research}}.
The framing is promotional rather than vague. Use {{Peacock term}}.

Resolution

Three paths, in order of preference:

Replace the vague phrase with a named attribution and a citation: "Chouvy argues..." or "Martin reports...".
Cite a specific source that makes the aggregate claim itself (e.g. a review article).
Remove the claim if no specific source supports the framing.