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
Get the Ryley defense mug.Related Words
In military terminology, this refers to a strategy used to flexibly absorb then repel the advance of attackers through carefully planned integrated fighting positions.
In modern slang terminology however, this is an over the top way to refer to a condom.
In modern slang terminology however, this is an over the top way to refer to a condom.
Definition 1: “We need to emplace mines and set up ambush positions in order to form an elastic defense at the valley entrance.”
Definition 2: “Babe I’m soooooo horny, I hope you brought your elastic defense!”
Definition 2: “Babe I’m soooooo horny, I hope you brought your elastic defense!”
by CrazyCronker47 July 12, 2025
Get the Elastic Defense mug.When someone actively interrupts, blocks, or derails another person’s attempt to flirt, rizz, or joke their way into someone’s heart. Usually done in group settings or livestreams, this is the playful art of stopping your friend from “cooking.” You’re not protecting anyone from danger—you’re protecting them from success.
It’s like being a romantic goalie: your entire job is to stop their shot from landing.
It’s like being a romantic goalie: your entire job is to stop their shot from landing.
“I was trying to talk to her at the party, but Chris kept playing defense like I owed him rent.”
“Lacy always plays defense when Marlon starts rizzing—it’s like she trains for it.”
“Bro stop playing defense and let me cook.”
“Lacy always plays defense when Marlon starts rizzing—it’s like she trains for it.”
“Bro stop playing defense and let me cook.”
by genzluv July 19, 2025
Get the Playing Defense mug.a defensive strategy implemented in NHL '10 that involves playing all players back in order to avoid a skunking (aka mercy).
Matt scored 3 goals in the first 30 seconds. Jared then employed the brian defense and lost the game 3-0.
by killa Brand v3 February 7, 2010
Get the the brian defense mug.A defense used for charges of indecent exposure. First used in Davenport case where a man had his wife testify that he was not well-endowed enough for a female postal worker to have seen his penis from about 35 feet away.
by The real Lappy May 26, 2010
Get the The McFly defense mug.Similar to The Chewbacca Defense, wherein a person will completely switch the subject of their argument to something totally unrelated. By hammering this point home the intent is to make the debating partner completely give up. In a Dead Chewbacca Defense, the point that the user switches to will be completely wrong, untrue or contradictory, and he or she will continue to support this point and hammer it in until the opponent has to go with it and submit.
Named for the Chewbacca Defense and the Dead Parrot Defense.
Named for the Chewbacca Defense and the Dead Parrot Defense.
Here, Rob uses the Dead Chewbacca Defense
Doug: Well, I can see your point there but beauty is defined by the individual-
Rob: My shirt is blue!
Doug: No it's not..
Rob: Sky blue!
Doug: Your shirt is white.
Rob: My shirt is blue!
Doug: Screw it.
Doug: Well, I can see your point there but beauty is defined by the individual-
Rob: My shirt is blue!
Doug: No it's not..
Rob: Sky blue!
Doug: Your shirt is white.
Rob: My shirt is blue!
Doug: Screw it.
by Jordrake December 5, 2010
Get the Dead Chewbacca Defense mug.