The Logical Fallacy's definitions

performative cruelty

Putting on a show of belittling, bullying and/or humiliating someone outside of an in-group for the purposes of placating or entertaining those within the group. Usually done to present oneself as "badass" or "hardcore".

In an age of performative cruelty,

kindness is punk as fuck.
Be punk as fuck.

by The Logical Fallacy April 11, 2025

closed systems of thought

A way of thinking that begins with the conclusion and spends the rest of its time trying to find ways to justify the conclusion, rather than the other-way around.

During an interview with the Monty Python troupe in 1979, they professed that "Life of Brian" was a condemnation of closed systems of thought. Example: after Brian escapes from the Romans, he is followed by a group of people who mistakenly believe he is the Messiah based on the fact that he does not finish his statement and therefore is "mysterious" to them. When he tells them he is not the messiah, they claim that only the true messiah would deny this. That is where dogma comes in. In the early stages of their new religion, Brian's unlikely followers built their faith out fo whole-cloth. They recover a gourd that is briefly owned by Brian, proclaim that it is a holy artifact and begin to assign greater meaning and significance to it. Upon finding his shoe, a schism emerges among his new followers. They are instantly dedicated to the emerging dogma to the religion of Brian. They are so eager to believe in Brian as the messiah that they immediately begin fashioning the tenants of their faith; the dogma of their religion.

-- Dogma & Theology - Life of Brian | Renegade Cut

by The Logical Fallacy January 12, 2019

Rotten Tomatoes Dilemma

When you aren't sure if you should listen to the criticisms and opinions of the professional few (critics, analysts and your teachers) or the unprofessional many (fans, peers and the general public).

The ole' Rotten Tomatoes Dilemma: should I listen to the critics who know what they're talking about and have learned advice, or the crowd of people that like what I've made warts and all?

by The Logical Fallacy July 1, 2022

silky films

Hardcore pornographic films marketed to the art crowd as art films.

"My uncle had a business; films, called 'silky films.' They catered to the art crowd. French babes, soft focus, lots of sheer curtains. Classy stuff."
-- Benny, "Tromeo and Juliet"

by The Logical Fallacy June 14, 2017

Drag Queen Wisdom

Wisdom commonly shared between drag queens, usually involving being oneself and not apologizing for it. Not to be confused with famous drag queen Wanda Wisdom.

Drag Queen Wisdom is like Southern Wisdom, but with more sass.

by The Logical Fallacy January 1, 2019

soft power

The use of slow, pacifistic persuasion to de-escalate a problem, created from a moral righteousness through leadership. Contrast with hard power.

"Andrew Garfield however, offers a 'soft power' version of Spider-Man - he's constantly trying to persuade his enemies to stop their nonsense."
-- The Philosophy of Spider-Man – Wisecrack Edition

by The Logical Fallacy January 7, 2018

Koumpounophilia

An affection and/or love of buttons. Those that have this usually enjoy collecting buttons, using them in crafts and projects and even identify with them in some manner.

More extreme cases lead to a sexual arousal at the sight or mention of them.

"Yeah, uhuh, sure. Hey, where did you get that shirt?"
"The department store across the street. Why?"
"Well, its just... so many buttons... buuuuuuuttooooons! GIVE ME THOSE BUTTONS! I MUST HAVE THEM!!!"
--Example of Koumpounophilia

by The Logical Fallacy December 18, 2015