Sociology of Debunking

The study of debunking as a social phenomenon: how debunking communities form, how they enforce norms, how they maintain boundaries between “legitimate skepticism” and “pseudoskepticism,” and how they reproduce their culture across generations. The sociology of debunking examines the organizations (skeptical societies, fact‑checking sites), the status hierarchies (who gets to debunk whom), the rituals (conferences, podcasts, annual awards), and the economic structures (funding from foundations, book deals, speaking fees) that sustain the debunking industry. It treats debunking as a social role, not just an intellectual activity.

Example: “Her sociology of debunking research showed that within skeptic communities, debunking mainstream targets (homeopathy, astrology) was safe, while debunking powerful institutions (pharmaceutical industry, military) was taboo—the debunking itself had limits.”

Sociology of Debunking by Abzugal April 2, 2026

Sociology of Debunking

A subfield that studies debunking as a social process—how debunking messages are produced, circulated, and received; how debunkers establish credibility; and how debunking affects public beliefs. The sociology of debunking examines the strategies used by debunkers (e.g., factual correction, ridicule, explanation of techniques), the social contexts that make debunking more or less effective, and the unintended consequences of debunking (e.g., the backfire effect). It also studies debunking communities as social worlds with their own norms and hierarchies. It moves beyond the assumption that “just giving facts” will correct false beliefs, showing that social identity and trust are often more important.

Example: “His sociology of debunking research demonstrated that when a trusted community leader debunked a myth, it was far more effective than when an outsider expert did—because debunking is social, not just informational.”

Sociology of Debunking by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal April 16, 2026

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

Stroad

Noun. Portmanteau of "street" and "road": it describes a street, er, road, built for high speed, but with multiple access points. Excessive width is a common feature. A common feature in suburbia, especially along commercial strips. Unsafe at any speed, their extreme width and straightness paradoxically induces speeding. Somewhat more neutral than synonymous traffic sewer.

Did you see what the traffic engineers want to do to our street? They're going to turn it into a total stroad!

Stroad by hammersklavier February 21, 2012