Definitions by Abzugal
Marketsplaining
A form of gaslighting that invokes “markets,” “the economy,” “wage slavery,” or “hyperslavery” to dismiss critiques of economic exploitation. The perpetrator explains why low wages, precarious work, or inequality are “just how markets work” and frames any call for change as economically illiterate. Marketsplaining often presents a particular economic system as natural, inevitable, or the only possible arrangement—ignoring that markets are socially constructed institutions subject to political choice.
Example: “She pointed out that many workers can’t afford rent despite full‑time jobs. He replied ‘that’s supply and demand—you can’t fight economics.’ Marketsplaining: using the concept of markets to naturalize exploitation.”
Marketsplaining by Abzugal April 1, 2026
Bankpost
A goalpost‑moving tactic that demands the target demonstrate mastery of arcane financial or banking concepts before their economic views can be considered. The perpetrator insists that without a deep understanding of fractional reserve banking, monetary transmission mechanisms, or Basel accords, the target’s opinion is worthless. When the target does research and engages, the standard shifts to “real world experience” or “executive decision‑making.” Bankpost is a way to gatekeep economic debate behind specialized knowledge that most people cannot easily acquire.
Banklighting
A digitallighting tactic that uses financial jargon and the threat of financial consequences to disorient and intimidate a target. The perpetrator may flood the conversation with references to credit scores, interest rates, or banking regulations, suggesting the target doesn’t understand “how money works.” The goal is to make the target feel economically illiterate and therefore unqualified to speak on economic issues. Banklighting is a form of class‑based gaslighting that leverages the intimidation of financial expertise.
Example: “When she mentioned high bank fees, he launched into a lecture about ‘interchange rates’ and ‘regulatory costs,’ implying her complaint was naive. Banklighting: using financial complexity to dismiss legitimate criticism.”
Banklighting by Abzugal April 1, 2026
Banksplaining
A form of gaslighting that uses the authority of “banks,” “finance,” or “the economy” to dismiss critique of financial systems. The perpetrator explains why banking regulations, interest rates, or credit systems must work as they do—often invoking inevitability or technical complexity—while portraying any alternative as naive. Banksplaining is common in debates about predatory lending, student debt, or monetary policy, where the speaker presents the current financial order as a natural fact rather than a political choice.
Example: “She argued for student debt cancellation; he explained how banks need ‘collateralization’ and ‘risk pricing’ to function. Banksplaining: treating a political choice as an immutable law of finance.”
Banksplaining by Abzugal April 1, 2026
Guiltypost
A goalpost‑moving tactic that demands the target prove their innocence to an impossible standard before being allowed back into community spaces. Even after apologies, context, or amends are offered, the perpetrator insists that more accountability is needed—a fuller confession, a longer silence, a more public reckoning. The goalposts shift constantly, ensuring the target can never be fully “rehabilitated.” Guiltypost is a way to keep a target permanently excluded while maintaining the appearance of fairness.
Example: “She issued a detailed apology for a misinterpreted remark. The response was ‘you didn’t acknowledge the full extent of harm.’ When she added more context, they said ‘now you’re just making excuses.’ Guiltypost: an endless demand for absolution.”
Guiltypost by Abzugal April 1, 2026
Guiltylighting
A digitallighting tactic that uses accusations of guilt to destabilize the target’s sense of self. The perpetrator repeatedly insists the target has done something unforgivable, often citing vague or exaggerated “evidence,” and refuses to accept any defense. The target begins to doubt their own memory and intentions, wondering if they really are the monster they’re being painted as. Guiltylighting is a common feature of cancel culture campaigns and organized harassment.
Example: “They circulated a thread claiming she had ‘caused harm’ with a comment five years ago. No matter how she explained the context, they insisted she knew what she was doing. Guiltylighting: making the target question their own moral compass.”
Guiltylighting by Abzugal April 1, 2026
Guiltysplaining
A form of cancelsplaining where the perpetrator “explains” to the target why they are guilty—of a moral transgression, a crime, a social sin—often while engaging in exposing, doxxing, or expoxxing. The explanation is framed as a service to the target (“this is for your own growth”) or to the community (“people deserve to know”). Guiltysplaining allows the perpetrator to present public shaming as a rational, pedagogical act, while the target is gaslit into questioning whether they did something so terrible that they deserve the abuse.
Example: “He posted her old social media posts with a thread explaining how each showed ‘pattern of harm.’ When she apologized, he said the apology was also manipulative. Guiltysplaining: framing destruction as education.”
Guiltysplaining by Abzugal April 1, 2026