A glittering generality is a vague, "feel good" statement that people are predisposed to want to identify with because of how they see it linking to what they already believe, or want to believe. They are often used in advertising or political campaign slogans, sayings or catchphrases.

What are glittering generalities used for?

A glittering generality is a vague word or phrase that's used to evoke positive feelings rather than to convey information. These terms are also known as glowing generalities, empty vessels, virtue words, or loaded words (or loaded phrases).

How do you use glittering generalities in a sentence?

" Southerners thought'all men created equal'was a glittering generality that meant nothing in everyday life ." Writing for the two, Stevens said the decision " rests largely on the repetition of glittering generalities that have little, if any, application to the compelling history of the state of Hawaii ."