1. Usually associated with someone who heckles people through social networking sites.
2. A person with a really nice body but hates on the world.
2. A person with a really nice body but hates on the world.
by Nuggets fan March 17, 2011
Get the Barnum mug.A Barnum Statement is a phrase used by conmen (for example a psychic) to try and make people think they have some deep insight into their psychology or life.
They are also commonly used in horoscopes
Barnum Statements are statements which most people will agree with, regarding themselves, while not realizing that almost every other person will also agree with them regarding their own lives
examples are:
"you have a good sense of humor, but not everyone sees it"
"you tend to think about things before taking action"
"You have had some major challenges in your life"
"you recently had a disagreement with someone you care for"
They are also commonly used in horoscopes
Barnum Statements are statements which most people will agree with, regarding themselves, while not realizing that almost every other person will also agree with them regarding their own lives
examples are:
"you have a good sense of humor, but not everyone sees it"
"you tend to think about things before taking action"
"You have had some major challenges in your life"
"you recently had a disagreement with someone you care for"
"The psychic told me that I was quite intelligent, but other people dont always see it"
"Sounds like she was just feeding you a Barnum Statement"
"Sounds like she was just feeding you a Barnum Statement"
by DutchCappedCrusader June 12, 2014
Get the Barnum Statement mug.The tendency to accept certain vague or worthless information as true, such as character assessments, horoscopes, psychic predictions and/or exaggerated claims.
Your horoscope: You have encoutered numerous challenges the last week as well as minor financial difficulties recently. If you take your time on your next major task, you shall be recognized for your hard work and motivation and a promotion may be in the midst. Example of Barnum Effect.
by D Spurgeon September 24, 2005
Get the barnum effect mug.Derived from circus-animally, it is a term used to describe an out-of-hand situation that tends to result in a giant cluster fuck
by phinny January 17, 2006
Get the Barnum and Bailey ass mug.by Zimbabey May 30, 2019
Get the Barnum (Barned Num) mug.A metalogic fallacy named after the Barnum-Forer effect (where people accept vague, generic statements as personally accurate). It applies this to reasoning: using broad, unfalsifiable logical claims that sound profound but are essentially meaningless or applicable to anything. The logic is so vague it can be stretched to "prove" any pre-existing bias, providing a facade of rationality without substantive rigor. It’s the intellectual equivalent of a fortune cookie.
Barnum-Forer Logic Theory Example: In an online debate about politics, someone argues, "Well, logically, the optimal system is one that balances order and freedom." This statement is unimpeachably vague—no one is for imbalance—and can be used to justify fascism or anarchism. It sounds logical, but it's an empty container filled with whatever the speaker already believes, providing a false sense of rational justification.
by Dumu The Void February 7, 2026
Get the Barnum-Forer Logic Theory mug.A terrible thing happens when you don’t promote: nothing.
Source: Anonymous copywriter for WDVA radio in Virginia, 1975, appearing in an ad in The Danville Register
Misattributed to P.T. Barnum c. 1999
Source: Anonymous copywriter for WDVA radio in Virginia, 1975, appearing in an ad in The Danville Register
Misattributed to P.T. Barnum c. 1999
Barnum’s Law dictates that having an elevator pitch ready in case the CEO asks you what your function is could be a matter of keeping your job.
by WhatwasIsaying January 25, 2025
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