If-by-whiskey (nonfiction)

In political discourse, if-by-whiskey is a relativist fallacy (nonfiction) in which the speaker's position is contingent on the listener's opinion.

Description

An if-by-whiskey argument implemented through doublespeak appears to affirm both sides of an issue, and agrees with whichever side the listener supports, in effect taking a position without taking a position.

The statement typically uses words with strongly negative or positive connotations (e.g., terrorist as negative and freedom fighter as positive).

Nonfiction cross-reference

• One If By Whiskey, Two If By God (nonfiction)
• Relativist fallacy (nonfiction)

Fiction cross-reference

• Gerard Butler

External links

• If-by-whiskey @ Wikipedia