If-by-whiskey (nonfiction)

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

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).

Fiction cross-reference

• One if by Whiskey, Two if by God - film starring Gerard Butler.

External links:

• If-by-whiskey @ Wikipedia
• Relativist fallacy] @ Wikipedia