gavulate

To give the appearance of being adamant or decisive, while really having no intention to "make good" on one's promises (or threats). Derived from the tradition of the jurisprudent's gavel in US courts, which is used in television dramas to silence a querulous courtroom -- the gavel, despite conveying the image of power and authority, has in itself no inherent power (and so often proves insufficient at restoring "order in the court" amidst the outbursts of some headstrong witness or defendant). Because the gesture is itself only performative, it relies entirely upon the fear and awe of the hearer in order to retain its power.

"Coach will always gavulate about the importance of 'fundamentals' in basketball. But let a 6'11" kid show up to tryouts and it won't matter whether he can even dribble a ball."

by prevailingwest September 30, 2021

extravalent

Operating outside of expected or designated channels, levels, or pathways of transmission. A thing described as "extravalent" is not easily classifiable, and may exhibit characteristics which alter over time. Extravelence is g-resistant, or counter-intuitive -- because it is not easily or conventionally understood, it defies rigid classification.

In the discourse of Western Philosophy, Kierkegaard's work appears uniquely extravalent among the turgid formulae of the positivists.

by prevailingwest July 02, 2022

Serenitarian

One who values peace above all else as a political goal (or an object of political theology).

Amnesty International is a perfect example of an organization founded and run by a textbook Serenitarian.

by prevailingwest July 02, 2022

political contractor

An individual or entity hired by an interest group to influence public opinion towards some desired end, esp. one with no ideological investment in that particular end as a cause or issue (i.e. acting purely out of financial interest). Political contractors are often expert propagandists, who seek to denature existing language in order to discredit or tarnish its users (typically the opposition).

Krystal, despite her anti-corporatist beliefs, has been a willing political contractor for several multimedia outlets that receive high levels of corporate funding.

by prevailingwest July 26, 2021