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Purity Spiral
A social ratchet effect within a community. A process of moral outbidding, unchecked, which corrodes the group from within, rewarding those who put themselves at the extremes, and punishing nuance relentlessly.
Not to be confused with 'virtue signalling', 'woke culture', or 'online mobs'.
A purity spiral can contain all of these things, but it is defined by the fact that it takes place in a defined community or society, where being purer-than-thou is always being rewarded, and holding a divergent, 'less pure' opinion is normally punished, a dynamic which leads to an inevitable escalation as only the most extreme can 'win'.
Could be anything, from Mao's Red Guard, to Neo-Nazis, to The Crucible, to Instagram knitting.
Not to be confused with 'virtue signalling', 'woke culture', or 'online mobs'.
A purity spiral can contain all of these things, but it is defined by the fact that it takes place in a defined community or society, where being purer-than-thou is always being rewarded, and holding a divergent, 'less pure' opinion is normally punished, a dynamic which leads to an inevitable escalation as only the most extreme can 'win'.
Could be anything, from Mao's Red Guard, to Neo-Nazis, to The Crucible, to Instagram knitting.
After Louise denounced Nike as bourgeois, the village fell into a purity spiral where first Nikes, then all sneakers, then all shoes, and later, socks, were burnt on a pyre by the villagers.
Foot amputations followed in the Spring.
Foot amputations followed in the Spring.
Purity Spiral by pizzleswizzle January 30, 2020
Related Words
puriteen
A (almost always) young person on the internet who thinks that the internet has to conform to being entirely sfw, and puts all of their time and energy into attempting to police art and media for any remote depiction of sexuality they personally disagree with. They are often seen screaming in comments sections and making personal attacks against nsfw artists over a drawing, when their anger would be better directed towards real people who genuinely advocate for harmful behavior.
Keep in mind, immature adults can also have the mentality of a child and fit this definition.
Keep in mind, immature adults can also have the mentality of a child and fit this definition.
Purpin
puriosity
John: Hey Mark, out of puriosity, how much money do valegrams cost at our school?
Mark: Oh, they're .50C each!
John: Great, thanks Mark!
Mark: Oh, they're .50C each!
John: Great, thanks Mark!
puriosity by TheRealDaddyO5 February 9, 2019
anus purring
anus purring by Leinen Lassie November 17, 2019
purikura
Japanese photo booths called "Print Club." For about three dollars you print out a sheet of sixteen small stickers with your photo on it, with crazy or cute borders and cartoon images (aka Hello kitty.)
VERY popular in Japan and it's catching on here too. Sticker picture booths are available in most mall arcades.
VERY popular in Japan and it's catching on here too. Sticker picture booths are available in most mall arcades.
I'm covering the whole first page of my journal with all my different purikura sticker pictures!
Lets go get purikura together after school!
Lets go get purikura together after school!
purikura by La La Lola May 13, 2005
More from Urban Dictionary
Respectfully
Precedes or follows either a gratuitously disrespectful or honest remark, originated in New York City. Used in similar fashion to "no offense" or "to be honest," interchangeably.
Ya mans is wild buns, respectfully. Respectfully he's washed.
After school, The Modells on Jamaica Ave was active. Respectfully.
After school, The Modells on Jamaica Ave was active. Respectfully.
Respectfully by john quan the first December 20, 2020
Word of the Day on September 26, 2026
You met me at a very Chinese time in my life
Dante: "I wish I could be Nigerian, but I can't because I'm Chinese. You met me at a very Chinese time in my life."
You met me at a very Chinese time in my life by Sus Chad September 21, 2026
Word of the Day on September 25, 2026
crunchy
Adjective. Used to describe persons who have adjusted or altered their lifestyle for environmental reasons. Crunchy persons tend to be politically strongly left-leaning and may be additionally but not exclusively categorized as vegetarians, vegans, eco-tarians, conservationists, environmentalists, neo-hippies, tree huggers, nature enthusiasts, etc.
Also used to describe establishments where alternative foods and products are sold, i.e. natural food stores.
Modified derivative of granola.
Also used to describe establishments where alternative foods and products are sold, i.e. natural food stores.
Modified derivative of granola.
murderhobo
In a tabletop game, a murderhobo is a player who murders NPCs indiscriminately. This is normally derogatory, referring to a player who totally ignores quests, dialog, backstory, trade, world building etc.
The term is most common with Dungeons and Dragons, but it can be applied to most RPGs where the player is allowed to kill most quest-giving NPCs and NPC traders. E.g. Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Divinity original sin.
The term is most common with Dungeons and Dragons, but it can be applied to most RPGs where the player is allowed to kill most quest-giving NPCs and NPC traders. E.g. Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Divinity original sin.
DM: The sad little orphan girl tugs at Steve's trenchcoat to get his attention, and ask for help saving her pet dog from...
Steve: I'd like to roll a strength check against strangling the orphan.
Dave: I call dibs on the dog.
DM: You murderhobos disgust me.
Steve: I'd like to roll a strength check against strangling the orphan.
Dave: I call dibs on the dog.
DM: You murderhobos disgust me.
murderhobo by Loup&S September 9, 2021
Word of the Day on September 22, 2026