Skip to main content

Fallacy of Specific Privation

A fallacy where someone identifies a specific harm, flaw, or failure within a system and uses that specific critique to dismiss the entire system without addressing its other aspects, benefits, or complexities. The critique may be valid—the specific privation is real—but the fallacy lies in treating it as dispositive, as if acknowledging one problem means nothing else matters. "This hospital has long waiting times, therefore healthcare is completely broken." "This politician made a mistake, therefore everything they've done is worthless." "This theory has one unexplained phenomenon, therefore the whole theory is garbage." Specific Privation mistakes a part for the whole, a flaw for a failure, a critique for a conclusion.
"I pointed out one limitation in a philosophical framework I generally admire. Response: 'Aha! So you admit it's completely wrong!' That's Fallacy of Specific Privation—a valid critique of one aspect becomes, in their hands, proof that the whole thing is worthless. Criticism isn't condemnation, but try telling them that."
Fallacy of Specific Privation mug front
Get the Fallacy of Specific Privation mug.
See more merch
An Irish phrase meaning shit, derived from ass
(Not to be confused with the literal description of one's buttocks)
"Did you hear the song Aylek$ dropped?"
"Hardly. Her music is absolute cheeks."

"My boyfriend say LaFlame is cheeks."
"Tell your boyfriend I said it's his mixtape that's cheeks."
Cheeks by thecartisan April 26, 2020

sans sheriff 

Lawless use of fonts or typography, with no regard to aesthetics or legibility
I'm putting this CV straight in the bin. Written totally sans sheriff.
sans sheriff by Jamarley July 3, 2019

Breadhead 

Someone who is addicted to obtaining money and building wealth. A money addict and fanatic. Breadheads often work more than one full-time job, and some even participate in illicit activities to "obtain the bread".
A breadhead is like a crackhead, but for money instead of crack.
Breadhead by 🅱️ U S 3 4 8 March 30, 2022

Stink lines

As seen in illustrations or cartoons: Wavy, vertical lines rising above a person, place or thing. Denotes a foul odor.
"You didn't put enough stink lines on your picture of the teacher."
Stink lines by Athene Airheart March 14, 2004

schmegegge 

Yiddish slang word meaning bullshit, baloney, hogwash, nonsense, crock of shit or hot air.
I don't buy the schmegegge about Morty sleeping with Moira.
His version of the story was pure schmegegge.
The whole schmegegge was made up to get Liz a little bit of attention.
schmegegge by budsbabe February 1, 2008

eye bleach 

Looking or experiencing something nice after witnessing something horrid like a disgusting gif or a disturbing video. Typically used as eye bleach are nice images of whatever makes the disturbed person happy.
"Bleach my eyes! Why is that woman's face ripped off!?"
*Looks up images of puppies and kittens.*
"That's good eye bleach."
eye bleach by Rini2012 November 29, 2016