(noun)
A linguistic defense mechanism named after the 1992 crime thriller, Glengarry Glen Ross, referencing the sales method, "Always Be Closing." ABC Defense drafts a covert contract between the speaker and the listener to "be nice."
A. Affectation of Anxiety. Appear socially inept or weak to encourage others' sympathy.
B. Be Gentle. Tone police people who sound "too loud" or "too angry."
C. Covert Contract of Expectation. Assume, out loud, that the other person won't be "cruel."
A linguistic defense mechanism named after the 1992 crime thriller, Glengarry Glen Ross, referencing the sales method, "Always Be Closing." ABC Defense drafts a covert contract between the speaker and the listener to "be nice."
A. Affectation of Anxiety. Appear socially inept or weak to encourage others' sympathy.
B. Be Gentle. Tone police people who sound "too loud" or "too angry."
C. Covert Contract of Expectation. Assume, out loud, that the other person won't be "cruel."
In the 1965 film "Three Approaches to Psychotherapy," Gloria uses the ABC Defense when she says, "A) Right now I'm nervous but B) I feel more comfortable the way you're talking in a low voice and C) I don't feel like you'll be so harsh on me."
by saintsundere October 13, 2024
Get the ABC Defense mug.the HDT otherwise known as the Hasan Defense Theory is the technique were Omer Hasan steals a joke originally aimed at him and then stealing it and turning it around on the original jokester. This presents the idea that Omer is the one that originally made the joke disregarding the hard work and ingenuity of the original.
by kabz64 February 24, 2026
Get the Hasan Defense Theory mug.Related Words
by anonymous March 1, 2025
Get the Tower defense games mug.by LatvianGambitIsVeryGood March 16, 2025
Get the slav defense mug.When a white person attacks you unprovoked
by SmeeveJeeve April 22, 2025
Get the Self Defense mug.A tactic where someone intentionally provokes, annoys, or emotionally baits another person—often through smug debate, passive-aggressive remarks, or “just asking questions”—until that person snaps. The instigator then plays the victim, using the outburst to discredit or shame the person they pushed too far.
Basically: you poke the bear until it bites you, then act shocked and sue the bear.
Basically: you poke the bear until it bites you, then act shocked and sue the bear.
“He kept correcting her every sentence and questioning her tone. When she finally yelled, he said she was 'emotionally unstable.' Classic Reddit Defense.”
“She baited him into a rant and recorded just the angry part to make it look like he was unhinged. Straight-up Reddit Defense move.”
“She baited him into a rant and recorded just the angry part to make it look like he was unhinged. Straight-up Reddit Defense move.”
by grimguy66 June 5, 2025
Get the Reddit Defense mug.“He’s pushing with E-Golem and Battle Healer while I’m low on elixir — the only way I win this is if I pull off a crazy Ryley defense.”
by Sowpas July 3, 2025
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