Hasty Generalization
Making a conclusion based on too little evidence.
Missing the Point
When the argument made doesn't address the actual issue being discussed.
Post Hoc
Assuming that because one thing happened after another, the first caused the second.
Slippery Slope
Arguing that a small action will lead to a chain of negative events without showing how.
Weak/Faulty Analogy
Comparing two things that aren't really similar enough to make a valid comparison.
Appeal to Authority
Believing something is true just because an authority or expert says so, without proper evidence.
Appeal to Pity
Trying to win an argument by making the audience feel sorry for someone instead of presenting logical evidence.
Appeal to Ignorance
Claiming something is true just because it hasn’t been proven false, or vice versa.
Straw Man
Misrepresenting someone’s argument to make it easier to attack or criticize.
Red Herring
Distracting from the main issue by introducing an unrelated topic.
False Dichotomy
Presenting only two options when more exist.
Begging the Question
Assuming the conclusion in the argument’s premise, so it doesn’t really prove anything.
Equivocation
Using a word in different ways to confuse or mislead.
Circular Reasoning
Using the conclusion as part of the argument, so it just goes in circles.
Non Sequitur
When the conclusion doesn’t logically follow from the premises.
Ad Misericordiam
Appealing to sympathy to get support, instead of using facts or logic.
Poisoning the Well
Discrediting someone before they even present their argument, so it’s easier to dismiss them.
Appeal to Tradition
Arguing something is true or right simply because it’s been done that way for a long time.
Stacking the Deck
Presenting only evidence that supports your argument while ignoring contradictory evidence.
Hypothesis Contrary to the Fact
Making a guess about what could have happened if things were different, without proper evidence.
Moving the Goalposts
Changing the criteria for success or proof once it’s met, so it’s always out of reach.
Formal/Direct Satire
Directly criticizing something in a serious or formal way to highlight flaws.
Indirect Satire
Criticizing something subtly or through storytelling, without being obvious.
Horatian
A light, humorous way of making fun of people or things, aiming to entertain rather than hurt.
Juvenalian
A serious and harsh form of satire meant to criticize society or people in a bitter way.
Optimist
Believes people are basically good but might be naive; uses humor to point out flaws and improve things.
Pessimist
Critical of society but still cares about individuals; uses satire to show what’s wrong in the world.
Diatribe/Invective
A strong, angry verbal attack against something or someone.
Farce
An exaggerated, ridiculous story or event meant to entertain with its absurdity.
Caricature
An exaggerated, humorous version of someone or something to make them look silly.
Grotesque
Depictions of something strange, ugly, or horrifying to show what’s wrong with it.
Juxtaposition
Placing two things next to each other to highlight their differences or contrasts.
Exaggeration
Making something seem bigger or more extreme than it is to make a point or for humor.
Hyperbole
An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.
Absurdum
Taking an argument or idea to an extreme to show that it’s unreasonable or ridiculous.
Understatement
Saying less than what is true, often to make something seem less serious than it really is.
Incongruity
When two things don’t make sense together, creating humor or highlighting their oddness.
Reversal
Presenting the opposite of what’s expected to show a contrast or create surprise.
Irony
When the outcome is different from what you expect, or when you say one thing but mean the opposite.
Sarcasm
Saying something in a mocking or ironic way to show contempt or make fun of something.
Judgement
Making an opinion or critique, often to expose flaws or contradictions.
Play/Wit
Clever, quick, and often funny remarks that show sharp thinking.
Misunderstanding
Creating humor from confusion or mix-ups between people or situations.
Parody
Imitating something in a humorous way to mock or make fun of it.
Burlesque
A humorous imitation of something serious or grand, often exaggerated to show its silliness.
Mock Heroic
Treating a trivial subject like it’s crucial / important, usually in an exaggerated and funny way.