Sensepost

A rhetorical tactic where, instead of engaging with the content of someone's argument, you simply declare it "nonsense" and consider your point proven. The sensepost is planted firmly in the ground of "I don't have to address this because it doesn't make sense," regardless of whether it actually makes sense to anyone else. It's the verbal equivalent of covering your ears and saying "la la la not listening." Once you've planted the sensepost, you're freed from the burden of actual engagement—you've declared the argument senseless, so any further discussion is just entertaining nonsense. The sensepost is beloved by people who have no counterargument but refuse to admit it.

Example: "She presented a detailed, well-sourced argument about economic inequality. He planted a sensepost: 'This is nonsense.' No engagement with her sources, no counter-evidence, no reasoning—just the declaration that her argument didn't make sense. When she asked what specifically was nonsense, he said 'all of it.' The sensepost had done its job: ending discussion without requiring thought."

by AbzuInExile February 16, 2026

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Sensesplaining

A form of verbalsplaining where, instead of engaging with the content of someone's argument, you simply declare it "nonsense" and then explain why it's nonsense without ever addressing what was actually said. The sensesplainer positions themselves as the arbiter of sense, the guardian of meaning, the one who gets to decide what counts as coherent. They don't need to understand your argument; they've already decided it's nonsense, and now they're going to explain to you why your own thoughts don't make sense. It's the rhetorical equivalent of covering your ears and then giving a lecture on the importance of listening. Sensesplaining is especially popular among people who have no counterargument but can't bear to simply say "I disagree."

Sensesplaining Example: "She presented a detailed proposal for improving the workflow. He sensesplained for twenty minutes about why her ideas were 'nonsense'—never addressing a single point, just declaring the whole thing incoherent. When she asked what specifically was nonsense, he said 'the whole approach' and kept talking. She stopped presenting in meetings."

by Abzugal February 16, 2026

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