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
wow bro pixie is tall. that's crazy.
by crumbbdumpster October 22, 2020
On Oct 20, you can turn tall people (5'4 bananas up) into bridges and step on them without any restriction.
by Rekunance October 06, 2023
A Tall Nugget is a nickname for an artist who is very anti social. She rarely ever trusts people and will defend her friends.
by Tall Nugget September 18, 2019
by URWrongM8 July 17, 2017
6 feet tall and super strong
by FardMonke July 26, 2022
Tall Law states that anyone under 5’4 is automatically short and that anyone who is not as tall as you is also considered short. You can be 5’5 but when someone who is 5’10 calls you short you cannot argue with it. If you’re 5’3 and you call somebody who is 5’ short then you are both still short because you are under 5’4.
If you’re shorter than somebody on National Throw Short People Day (October 24th) you do not get to tell people taller than you that they cannot throw you. You would be breaking the Tall Law.
If you’re shorter than somebody on National Throw Short People Day (October 24th) you do not get to tell people taller than you that they cannot throw you. You would be breaking the Tall Law.
“Ayo she said she can’t be thrown on National Throw Short People Day. She’s not under 5’4 but she’s not as tall as me so that’s breaking Tall Law!”
by YokoOhNo October 07, 2020