quis est beneficium

Latin, "where is the benefit?" A type of logical fallacy in which one claims one didn't do something bad because it was not in one's interests to do so. An example would be, "Why would I steal from the cash register? It's going to hurt the business if I do, and then I might lose my job."

The argument is usually used on behalf of someone else: for example, Ludo Martens (1995) argues that Stalin could not possibly have massacred millions of Russians because he needed them to fight WW2; Fogel & Engermann claimed* that American slavery was not very bad because it was in the best interests of slaveowners to have content slaves.

The argument is a fallacy because it assumes that all relevant motives of the actor are well-established, and lead away from the act. It does not account for motives like personal hatred, shame, fear, spite, ideology, and so on.
________________________
* In *Time on the Cross* (1971); the book was conclusively debunked by David & Stampp, *Reckoning with Slavery* (1976).

One frequently encounters *quis est beneficium?* arguments among Holocaust deniers of all stripes. Among such worthies it is claimed that Hitler/Stalin/Enver Pasha could not possibly have wanted to massacre all those millions because it was a nuisance to try.

by Abu Yahya February 14, 2009

friends with benefits

when 2 people have all of the traits a relationship has,but aren't labeled boyfriend and girlfriend.and they are free to date whoever without consequence,unless you agree to other terms.

Shayne:Want to be friends with benefits?
Cayley: Sure but what are out terms
Shayne:we can date outside of this,but we still do relationship like stuff.
Cayley: Lets start now.

by oblowi March 27, 2011

Benedict

Pronoun: A legendary figure who is the envy of his friends. All the ladies want to be with him, all the men want to be him.

Dave: Dude, that Benedict is so fuckin' cool, I just want to be him.
Bill: Me too. He gave my mum a spiderman monkeyface donkeypunch combo.

by chief84 August 11, 2008

Beneath the Sky

a melodic death metal band that actually leaves your ears bleeding

friend:duuude did you listen that song i sent you by Beneath the Sky?

you: yeah it left my ears bleeding!

by poppystewis February 23, 2009

Benedict

The most handsome man on the planet, he makes you laugh all the time his humor is great. He is a bit of a weirdo at heart and someone that loves doggies. He gets a bit carried away with his sarcasm but his heart is always in the right place. He has a heart of gold and loves and cares for his girlfriend.

friend: hows you and your boyfriend Benedict?
girlfriend: Benedict is the most amazing boyfriend

by turtlesrcoolerthanu November 14, 2019

BeenerKeeKee19952

A kid/man on Youtube who makes videos of him lip-syncing to popular songs. Such songs include Katy Perry's Teenage Dream and Far East Movement's Like A G6. Even though he is terrible at remembering the lyrics, he gets most of his thumbs from his weird, awkward looks. Some girls thinks he's adorable, everyone else is freaked out.

Guy: Have you seen BeenerKeeKee19952's new video?

Girl: Yeah, he's so cute, I love his cover of Teenage Dream.

Guy: He's creepy and doesn't even sing the songs. Just saying.

by YoUrMoThErSeNtMeAgIfTbAsKeT October 19, 2010

friends with minor benefits

These are two individuals, usually a male and a female, who occasionally engage in noncoital sexual behavior (most often masturbation but possibly other forms) without being lovers or having any long-term commitment. Usually this is done on an infrequent basis if one or the other is in need. Think of this as one possible and occasional outcome of a strong friendship between a man and a woman. I hope this definition does not offend.

While Tom and Jennifer's relationship was usually Platonic, sometimes theirs devolved into that of 'friends with minor benefits.'

by eViL pOp TaRt April 27, 2006