Proxy Argument

Having an argument through a messenger.
So Sarah could say something to Steve than Steve says that to Iron Man than Iron Man gives a response to Steve, who then relays that to Sarah. Repeat to infinity.

After Iron Man killed Steve's dog, they got in a proxy argument through Sarah.

by TheLastLinguist June 4, 2024

Stonelicker Argumentation

When the argument/statement is so moronic, you are forced to conclude only a person with an iq level of an inbred arab caveman could come up with such idiocy.

Guy A: " Jesus was actually a muslim that followed Islam"
Guy B: "That's peak stonelicker argumentation right there"

by Abdool8 October 23, 2024

Meta-Argument

An argument whose subject is another argument. It's not about the initial claim, but about the structure, validity, or motives behind the opposing case. "You're only saying that because you're emotional!" "That's a genetic fallacy!" The meta-argument is a tactical retreat from the messy battlefield of facts to the fortified high ground of rhetorical theory, where you can snipe at your opponent's way of arguing instead of their actual points.

Example: "His actual point about the budget was weak, so he launched a meta-argument: 'Your entire premise is rooted in a neoliberal paradigm that you haven't even acknowledged, which makes your following five points epistemically bankrupt.' He didn't address a single number, but he looked very smug."

by Dumu The Void January 30, 2026

Hasty Argument

An argument constructed and launched quickly, based on first impressions and surface-level understanding, without thorough preparation or anticipation of counterpoints. It’s the rhetorical equivalent of firing a slingshot before loading the stone properly.

*Example: "He made a hasty argument against the policy, quoting the headline of one news article. When presented with the actual 50-page bill and expert analyses, his points fell apart. He'd argued with the speed of outrage and the depth of a puddle."*

by AbzuInExile January 31, 2026

Sweeping Argument

An argument that attempts to cover too much ground with too few specifics, using grand, universal language to condemn or endorse huge categories of things (e.g., "all government," "modern art," "that generation"). It sacrifices precision for rhetorical force.

Example: "Her sweeping argument was exhausting: 'Everything in popular culture is a manufactured commodity designed to pacify the proletariat!' Movies, music, memes—it was all swept into one giant, simplistic critique, leaving no room for nuance, exception, or joy."

by AbzuInExile January 31, 2026

General Argument

The standard, commonly encountered argument form that follows a recognizable structure (claim, evidence, conclusion) about a general subject. It’s the workhorse of debates, essays, and everyday persuasion when done competently.

Example: "He presented a general argument for exercise: it improves cardiovascular health (evidence: these studies), boosts mood (evidence: these surveys), and increases lifespan (evidence: this meta-analysis). It was straightforward, evidence-based, and effective."

by AbzuInExile January 31, 2026

Special Argument

An argument designed for a unique, narrow, or highly technical context, often relying on jargon, specific legal precedents, or intricate details unknown to a general audience. It can be perfectly valid within its sphere but incomprehensible or irrelevant outside of it.

Example: "The lawyers spent hours on a special argument about the jurisdictional precedent under the maritime law of the 18th century as it applied to a digital asset transaction. It was critically important to the case and utter gibberish to anyone else in the courtroom."

by AbzuInExile January 31, 2026