arguing semantics
When people argue about the definition or meaning of a word. This usually starts in the middle of an argument and distracts from the main topic of the argument. Whether done intentionally or not depends on the people arguing.
When an argument deteriorates and its focus becomes one about word definitions rather than the main topic, a person will usually say "Oh, now we're just arguing semantics". Usually by this point, the arguement has become a waste of time because it has morphed into a bunch of bickering about irrelevant, unimportant details rather than the original main point.
If someone accuses you of arguing semantics, they're usually accusing you of intentionally avoiding the topic. In this case, the person may or may not be misusing the phrase in order to do so. If you're not actually arguing about word definitions, then they should accuse you of being nit-picky instead (as that would be more accurate) but to explain it to this degree becomes a bit nit-picky in and of itself and so for obvious reasons, this is the end.
When an argument deteriorates and its focus becomes one about word definitions rather than the main topic, a person will usually say "Oh, now we're just arguing semantics". Usually by this point, the arguement has become a waste of time because it has morphed into a bunch of bickering about irrelevant, unimportant details rather than the original main point.
If someone accuses you of arguing semantics, they're usually accusing you of intentionally avoiding the topic. In this case, the person may or may not be misusing the phrase in order to do so. If you're not actually arguing about word definitions, then they should accuse you of being nit-picky instead (as that would be more accurate) but to explain it to this degree becomes a bit nit-picky in and of itself and so for obvious reasons, this is the end.
Jenny: Hey Tommy, did you do your homework?
Tommy: I would never do my homework.
Jenny: What do you mean? You always do your homework!
Tommy: No, I would never "do" my homework - that would be gross. But if you want to know if I completed my homework...
Jenny: Oh, please. Spare me. Now you're just arguing semantics.
Tommy: I would never do my homework.
Jenny: What do you mean? You always do your homework!
Tommy: No, I would never "do" my homework - that would be gross. But if you want to know if I completed my homework...
Jenny: Oh, please. Spare me. Now you're just arguing semantics.
arguing semantics by PineappleJane February 9, 2017
Related Words
Arguing with a shampoo bottle
When arguing with someone and the other party distracts the topic by resorting to appeals of emotion, belief and other logical fallacies.
The conversation gets caught in a loop. As it reads on the back of a shampoo bottle at the end of the instructions...rinse and repeat.
The conversation gets caught in a loop. As it reads on the back of a shampoo bottle at the end of the instructions...rinse and repeat.
"X must exist. I just saw a poll that says 90% of all Americans believe in X."
"99% of everyone once thought the world was flat. They had no evidence and were proven wrong by people who sought the truth."
"X must exist! If X did not exist, then the world would be a horrible place!"
"You'll be able to move on. Its only in your mind that X influences your life."
"I acknowledge that I have no argument for the existence of X. However, I have a great desire for X to exist. Therefore I accept that X exists."
"This is like arguing with a shampoo bottle. You're stuck in a loop of rinse and repeat."
"99% of everyone once thought the world was flat. They had no evidence and were proven wrong by people who sought the truth."
"X must exist! If X did not exist, then the world would be a horrible place!"
"You'll be able to move on. Its only in your mind that X influences your life."
"I acknowledge that I have no argument for the existence of X. However, I have a great desire for X to exist. Therefore I accept that X exists."
"This is like arguing with a shampoo bottle. You're stuck in a loop of rinse and repeat."
Arguing with a shampoo bottle by Dread Pirate Skeptic June 8, 2014
Arguing
Arguing is when typically two people have different beliefs and take turns asserting what the truth really is.
John believed that flowers die once uprooted and cast in a fire but Jane asserted that they simply evolve to a new form of existence so they began adding their supporting evidence to each other for hours and rumor has it they are still arguing to this very moment.
Arguing by Comidois De’America July 20, 2022
Why Are You Arguing About Nuggam And Sluggam
it means that the Noah bugger is talking to Ethan booger that is burning 1 braincell when he thinks Ay*a is doing the nuggam walk.
Why Are You Arguing About Nuggam And Sluggam by rteqb April 10, 2021
deflective arguing
This is when somebody argues by DEFLECTING anything said against them.
They will NEVER address any issues brought against them or their point but will instantly bring something else up to change the subject
Deflective racists use this tactic whenever a situation/fact is brought up that goes against there beliefs
People do this because they know damn well if they try to address the issue or stay relevant to it, there entire argument will get derailed
They will NEVER address any issues brought against them or their point but will instantly bring something else up to change the subject
Deflective racists use this tactic whenever a situation/fact is brought up that goes against there beliefs
People do this because they know damn well if they try to address the issue or stay relevant to it, there entire argument will get derailed
deflective arguing
deflective arguing by Optical_Epilepsy July 20, 2010
Color Arguing
A dispute over the exact color of an object. Normally occurs when a color is in between hues and is questionable to the viewer. The colors in question are then most likely determined via Crayola color names.
Color Arguing by GagaOohLala December 6, 2009
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