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
Get the “Tall Boots” Argument mug.Son: dad i can't come by today I have lots of crap to do when I get home here
Tank: well son when am I gettin out of here, when we're ya comin by son?!
Son: dad i told ya I can't come by today! Maybe next week now!
Tank: well.... alright baby, ball-tall Son ball-tall
Tank: well son when am I gettin out of here, when we're ya comin by son?!
Son: dad i told ya I can't come by today! Maybe next week now!
Tank: well.... alright baby, ball-tall Son ball-tall
by Oak Tree Ted October 29, 2025
Get the ball-tall mug.Homie: ayo fam would you fuck a tall girl?
Homie 2: Hell yeah nigga tall trees get cut down too.
Homie: Facts
Homie 2: Hell yeah nigga tall trees get cut down too.
Homie: Facts
by anonymous June 8, 2022
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appreciating ur friends 5’9 and above on July 15th. they deserve some appreciation for being built like a stringbean
hey! did you know that it’s tall friend appreciation day? ask your tall friends how the weather is up there!
by jacob glndr June 25, 2022
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Jane: why are you hugging me?
bob it's national hug a tall person day
Jane: .....your taller then me
bob: you didn't hug me first
Jane: why are you hugging me?
bob it's national hug a tall person day
Jane: .....your taller then me
bob: you didn't hug me first
by Demon r slender June 30, 2022
Get the national hug a tall person day mug.He's TALL TOUGH AND ALSO CALLED TOM Btw he's so strong and brave. He also has all the girls after him. His PP is also around 12''
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