asspology

Portmanteau from the word 'ass' and 'apology'. An apology (usually by a content creator) that is cringe and forced due to public backlash, not because they felt sorry. Usually garner more public backlash because of the insencerity of said apology.

That YouTuber just made an asspology, he literally denied all the shit he's done and accuses everyone.

by Yi Long Mask June 15, 2024

Astrolosplaining

A form of Digitalsplaining where the perpetrator dismisses any idea by comparing it to astrology, zodiac signs, or horoscopes—framing it as inherently irrational, unscientific, and vaguely mystical. The astrolosplainer says “this is literally astrology for X” or “you’re basically reading horoscopes,” regardless of whether the target’s work has any connection to astrology. The tactic relies on the cultural stigma against astrology to delegitimize without argument, treating the comparison as self‑evidently damning.

Example: “She developed a framework for understanding personality through narrative archetypes; he dismissed it as ‘astrology for psychologists.’ Astrolosplaining: using a label to avoid understanding a new idea.”

by Abzugal April 1, 2026

Astrololighting

A form of Digitallighting that uses the “astrology” analogy to gaslight targets into believing their work is inherently flaky, unscientific, or narcissistic. The perpetrator repeatedly compares the target’s research to horoscope reading, often with mockery about “woo” or “crystals.” Even when the target is working within rigorous academic traditions, the constant association erodes their public credibility and makes them question whether their approach is valid. Astrololighting exploits the gendered dismissal of practices coded as “feminine” or “spiritual.”

Example: “Her peer‑reviewed research on community storytelling was met with ‘this is just astrology for academics.’ Astrololighting: using a stigmatized label to dismiss serious work without reading it.”

by Abzugal April 1, 2026

Astroloposting

A goalpost‑moving tactic that demands the target prove their work is not “just astrology.” The perpetrator sets an impossible bar: they insist the target must show empirical validation to standards far beyond what is usual in the field, while simultaneously mocking any attempt as “trying to make astrology scientific.” When the target provides evidence, the goalposts shift to “well, that’s just what astrologers say.” Astroloposting is designed to exhaust and discredit by forcing the target to defend against a category error.

Example: “She provided qualitative data, longitudinal studies, and theoretical grounding; he dismissed each as ‘astrology dressed up.’ When she asked for specific critique, he said ‘if I have to explain it, you’re already lost.’ Astroloposting: a no‑win game disguised as skepticism.”

by Abzugal April 1, 2026