by Smileysamuel February 23, 2025

by Woahhhh4fingers November 26, 2024

A “tall boots” argument is the use of the propaganda technique of Intentional Vagueness combined with “allusory correlation” to passively insinuate causation between a correlation without directly saying it. The employer of this annoying method of bullshittery, while never explicitly stating the idea itself, instead leads someone to believe they came to their own conclusions based on their insinuations by suggesting it to them, and not explaining further.
The term comes from the tall boots that nazi’s wore - or more specifically, pointing out that nazi’s wore tall boots TO someone wearing tall boots with the phrase “I’m not saying you’re a nazi, but…” while clearly insinuating a connection to someone wearing tall boots, and nazis. The argument is illogical, but this technique is effective because it leads people into trying to figure out what the argument *is* rather than examining the argument itself, no matter how stupid it is.
You will know when that annoying friend of yours is using this technique in two steps:
1. The start with the phrase “I’m not saying *insert subject of connection*, but…” before trailing off
2. You tell them that that’s stupid, which prompts only a shrug, rather than any extrapolation
The term comes from the tall boots that nazi’s wore - or more specifically, pointing out that nazi’s wore tall boots TO someone wearing tall boots with the phrase “I’m not saying you’re a nazi, but…” while clearly insinuating a connection to someone wearing tall boots, and nazis. The argument is illogical, but this technique is effective because it leads people into trying to figure out what the argument *is* rather than examining the argument itself, no matter how stupid it is.
You will know when that annoying friend of yours is using this technique in two steps:
1. The start with the phrase “I’m not saying *insert subject of connection*, but…” before trailing off
2. You tell them that that’s stupid, which prompts only a shrug, rather than any extrapolation
Xavier: Oh dude, check out my new boots!
Jake: They look pretty tall.
Xavier: Hell yeah! Leather, too.
Jake: You know, nazis wore tall boots.
Xavier: Shut the hell up Jake, what kinda “tall boots” argument bullshit is that.
Everyone on twitter: Oh my god, Jake is right…what the hell is wrong with Xavier
(Now apply this example to a news outlet of your choice)
Jake: They look pretty tall.
Xavier: Hell yeah! Leather, too.
Jake: You know, nazis wore tall boots.
Xavier: Shut the hell up Jake, what kinda “tall boots” argument bullshit is that.
Everyone on twitter: Oh my god, Jake is right…what the hell is wrong with Xavier
(Now apply this example to a news outlet of your choice)
by CoruscationDeficit March 26, 2024

“Are you ready for the orgasmicon”
*sylvester stillone gulped*
*kermit the frog stood shakin’ in his Gucci boots*
Shakin’ In my Gucci boots
*sylvester stillone gulped*
*kermit the frog stood shakin’ in his Gucci boots*
Shakin’ In my Gucci boots
by Ooey Gooey May 4, 2018

by J Barringer June 14, 2021

by YourFriendSteve May 9, 2018
