Sensepost

A rhetorical tactic where, instead of engaging with the content of someone's argument, you simply declare it "nonsense" and consider your point proven. The sensepost is planted firmly in the ground of "I don't have to address this because it doesn't make sense," regardless of whether it actually makes sense to anyone else. It's the verbal equivalent of covering your ears and saying "la la la not listening." Once you've planted the sensepost, you're freed from the burden of actual engagement—you've declared the argument senseless, so any further discussion is just entertaining nonsense. The sensepost is beloved by people who have no counterargument but refuse to admit it.

Example: "She presented a detailed, well-sourced argument about economic inequality. He planted a sensepost: 'This is nonsense.' No engagement with her sources, no counter-evidence, no reasoning—just the declaration that her argument didn't make sense. When she asked what specifically was nonsense, he said 'all of it.' The sensepost had done its job: ending discussion without requiring thought."

by AbzuInExile February 16, 2026

Moving the Sensepost

The advanced tactic of shifting the criteria for what counts as "sensible" after your opponent has already demonstrated that their argument meets the previous criteria. First, they call your argument nonsense. You explain it clearly. They move the sensepost: "Well, it's still nonsense because you didn't address X." You address X. They move again: "It's nonsense because your tone is wrong." You adjust your tone. They move again: "It's nonsense because I don't like you." The sensepost keeps moving because the real claim is not that your argument is nonsensical but that they don't want to accept it, and no amount of sense-making will overcome unwillingness. Moving the sensepost is how people maintain the illusion of rationality while being completely irrational.

Moving the Sensepost Example: "She explained her position clearly. He said it was nonsense. She explained again, with examples. He moved the sensepost: 'Nonsense because you're using examples, not data.' She provided data. He moved again: 'Nonsense because your data is from biased sources.' She provided multiple sources. He moved again: 'Nonsense because I've decided nothing will convince me.' The sensepost had moved beyond sense entirely, into the pure territory of refusal."

by AbzuInExile February 16, 2026

Seeleposterpeedick

A great guy in the bed,but has no soul.Dangerous and abusive.

I didn't sleep so well that night on the seeleposterpeedick.I always had to keep one eye open,out of fear, because of the danger.Even while having great sexy time.He had no soul.

by Smarderthentheaveragebare October 13, 2021