Fallacies of Social Pressure Vocabulary

arguing something is true because many people believe it

“Everyone's buying crypto, so it must be a good investment.”

Origin: From jumping on a bandwagon in a parade

citing popularity as evidence of truth

“Millions of people can't be wrong—but they often are.”

Origin: Latin `argumentum ad populum` (argument to the people)

using threats instead of arguments

“Agree with me or face the consequences.”

Origin: Latin `argumentum ad baculum` (argument to the stick)

using sympathy to substitute for evidence

“You have to pass me—I'll lose my scholarship otherwise.”

Origin: Latin `argumentum ad misericordiam`

using compliments to manipulate agreement

“Someone as intelligent as you surely sees my point.”

Origin: From substituting flattery for argument

preemptively discrediting an opponent

“Before he speaks, remember he's been wrong before.”

Origin: From literally poisoning a water source to harm those who drink from it

dismissing an argument based on how it's expressed

“I can't take your point seriously when you're so angry.”

Origin: From focusing on tone rather than substance

persistently demanding evidence in bad faith

“Just asking questions—but never accepting any answer.”

Origin: From a webcomic featuring an aggressively 'polite' sea lion