doublemessage
nounUK /ˈdʌbəl ˈmɛsɪdʒ/
US /ˈdʌbəl ˈmɛsɪdʒ/
A double message is when someone says two things that do not agree, so you are not sure what they really mean.
Her smile said yes, but her words said no, and that double message confused everyone.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A communication in which the words and the tone or body language express opposite meanings.
He said he was fine, but his angry tone sent a double message.
3. A situation where two people or groups give different instructions about the same thing.
The two managers gave a double message about the deadline, so the team did not know which date to follow.
4. An advertisement or statement that seems to promise one thing while actually meaning another.
The sale sign was a double message: big savings in huge letters, but small print that raised the price.