The Logical Fallacy's definitions

soft power

The use of slow, pacifistic persuasion to de-escalate a problem, created from a moral righteousness through leadership. Contrast with hard power.

"Andrew Garfield however, offers a 'soft power' version of Spider-Man - he's constantly trying to persuade his enemies to stop their nonsense."
-- The Philosophy of Spider-Man – Wisecrack Edition

by The Logical Fallacy January 7, 2018

Koumpounophilia

An affection and/or love of buttons. Those that have this usually enjoy collecting buttons, using them in crafts and projects and even identify with them in some manner.

More extreme cases lead to a sexual arousal at the sight or mention of them.

"Yeah, uhuh, sure. Hey, where did you get that shirt?"
"The department store across the street. Why?"
"Well, its just... so many buttons... buuuuuuuttooooons! GIVE ME THOSE BUTTONS! I MUST HAVE THEM!!!"
--Example of Koumpounophilia

by The Logical Fallacy December 18, 2015

Valley of Virility

When something is so straight in its manliness that it becomes incredibly gay in the process, usually displayed in a visual metaphor similar to the Uncanny Valley.

"Remember that 'Valley of Virility' thing I once mentioned ? That's where I feel 'Top Gun' lies. It is so straight that it's looped back around to gay."
-- Rantasmo, "Top Gun Needs More Gay"

by The Logical Fallacy November 4, 2017

performative cruelty

Putting on a show of belittling, bullying and/or humiliating someone outside of an in-group for the purposes of placating or entertaining those within the group. Usually done to present oneself as "badass" or "hardcore".

In an age of performative cruelty,

kindness is punk as fuck.
Be punk as fuck.

by The Logical Fallacy April 11, 2025

Drag Queen Wisdom

Wisdom commonly shared between drag queens, usually involving being oneself and not apologizing for it. Not to be confused with famous drag queen Wanda Wisdom.

Drag Queen Wisdom is like Southern Wisdom, but with more sass.

by The Logical Fallacy January 1, 2019

silky films

Hardcore pornographic films marketed to the art crowd as art films.

"My uncle had a business; films, called 'silky films.' They catered to the art crowd. French babes, soft focus, lots of sheer curtains. Classy stuff."
-- Benny, "Tromeo and Juliet"

by The Logical Fallacy June 14, 2017

Knights Who Say 'Ni' Effect

When something good (or at the very least "okay") becomes insufferable by association with those who like and/or praise it.

In the time since then and the release of Portal 2, you'll be pleased to hear that I eventually did come up with a criticism for Portal 1: it's got the worst fucking fans in the world. Nothing ruins a good thing quite like knowing you share your opinions with mindless little tits who bray like mules if you so much as mention the word "cake," and the good thing in question can never be the same again. This is technically known as the "Knights Who Say 'Ni' Effect."
--Zero Punctuation

by The Logical Fallacy June 11, 2017