A crime that you are guilty of because you are THINKING of doing something bad. (i.e. In 1984's Oceania, spending time alone is almost a crime because it's considered odd, and odd people are a threat to a stable environment such as theirs.)
also, see patriot act. (i.e. when you check anarchist cookbook out from the library or something, the gov might have the right to go into your home and tap your phone and computer. And it's all perfectly legal since you might be a terrorist.)
This is the opposite of Virtue Signaling. It is a way to broadcast to other ultra conservatives that you despise those different from you and judge others based upon superficial traits.
Jimmy Bob really was vice signaling to the MAGA crowd when he got up and shouted obscenities at the Pride Parade marchers walking downtown.
''Why you outside in the cold with no shirt on? You on some nut shit...''
''Boul on some nut shit wearing that fake ass belt''
''You on some nut shit fighting that lil ass boy''