Formality 

A byproduct of customs and morals, derived where formality is already "dead" or out-dated and, popularly, seens to prevent progress or simply kills usable time with something unimportant.

Tying ties for special occasions such as a job interview or marriages with the Double-windsor knot is a formality just as much as using a Three piece suit with three buttons and single breasted.

Formality by Chaotic_Neutral October 20, 2012

Formality wash 

A very quick hand wash (generally not involving soap) by a person who has just urinated in a public restroom, expressly to let others in the restroom see they haven't left without washing, when otherwise - had there been no one else in the restroom - they wouldn't bother

Restroom patron 1: "That guy barely got his hands wet at the sink, then walked out!"

Restroom patron 2: "Yeah, that's a formality wash"

Formality wash by RUFKM? August 28, 2009

Formality Bias

A cognitive bias that consists of overvaluing form (logic, structure, method, procedure) at the expense of content (substance, context, meaning). Those who suffer from this bias believe that an argument is good simply because it follows formal rules (syllogisms, statistics, protocols), regardless of its adequacy to reality or its consequences. Formality bias is the basis of empty formalism: people who use technical jargon, complicated diagrams, or impressive equations to give the appearance of rigor to weak arguments. It is very common in certain pockets of strongly restricted analytical philosophy (where logical structure is valued more than intuition), in bureaucracies (where following procedure is more important than solving the problem), and in internet debates (where posting a link to a study is valued more than interpreting the study). The irony: excessive formality can generate absurd conclusions because it ignores the contingent and social nature of knowledge.

Formality Bias Example: “The debater presented a formally valid argument in propositional logic. But the premises were false. When alerted, he replied: ‘The form is correct, that’s what matters. You can discuss the content later.’ Pure Formality Bias.”

Formality Bias by Dumu The Void May 23, 2026

Step Out of Formality 

To be uncommon, not following the rules and standards set by others.

You have always looked at how others see you. You have to step out of formality.

Step Out of Formality by Patrice Stewart January 16, 2019

Theory of Constructed Formality

A meta‑theoretical framework arguing that what we call “formal” (rules, procedures, logical systems, mathematical structures) are not discovered but constructed by human communities for specific purposes, and that this constructed nature is often obscured by the very success of formalisation. The theory rejects the idea that formal systems are “out there” waiting to be found; instead, they are tools built from available materials, shaped by social needs, and subject to revision. It explains why different societies have developed different formal systems, and why even the most rigorous formalisms carry the fingerprints of their creators.

Example: “The theory of constructed formality explained why Euclidean geometry was considered ‘true’ for millennia—not because it was absolute, but because it was constructed for a world of human‑scale measurements, and its replacements are newer constructions.”

Theory of Constructed Formality by Abzugal May 22, 2026

Formally Regarded 

A shitty-ass comeback that doesn't even make sense but could potentially be pulled off if someone calls you retarded and the crowd is retarded enough to accept it.

Emma: You are a RETARDED SON OF A BITCH LYING CHEATER!

Justin: Why yes, I am just simply formally regarded.

Formally Regarded by An0nny442 March 18, 2023

normality 

A variety of mental illness typified by symptoms such as an incapacity to differentiate oneself from others, an obsession with the maintenance of meaningless rituals provided these are also prevalent among others, and a pathological gullibility towards claims made by others with the same condition.

Sufferers often experience acute delusions, such as the belief that the present global system functions effectively.

People suffering from Normality can be extremely dangerous in large numbers, since they often maintain that only their own interests and needs, and not those of other psychological groups, are relevant in determining social policy.

Normality is currently incurable, although some evidence suggests that MMR vaccine offers a potential cure.

Unfortunately, the majority of psychologists and psychiatrists are among those suffering from this disorder.

normality by Andy April 22, 2004