strawman
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A weak or sham argument set up to be easily refused: The primary modern meaning refers to a logical fallacy where someone misrepresents an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.
- An effigy in the shape of a man to frighten birds away from seeds: A literal, old-fashioned scarecrow.
- A person used as a cover for some questionable activity: Someone who fronts for or takes blame for another's actions.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Logical Fallacy):
- The debater created a strawman by exaggerating his opponent's position.
- Don't attack a strawman; address my actual argument.
- Noun (Scarecrow):
- The farmer placed a strawman in the field to protect the crops.
- Noun (Front Person):
- The corrupt official used a strawman to hide his illegal purchases.
Advanced Usage
- "To attack a strawman": To argue against a misrepresented version of an opponent's point.
- Politicians often attack a strawman instead of engaging with complex issues.
- "A strawman proposal": A preliminary document or plan intended to generate discussion and be revised.
- The team leader presented a strawman proposal to kickstart the meeting.
Variants and Related Words
- Straw man (noun): The standard two-word spelling variant, identical in meaning.
- Strawman argument (noun phrase): A specific term for the logical fallacy.
- Strawmanning (gerund/noun): The act of creating or using a strawman argument.
Synonyms
- Misrepresentation (for the fallacy).
- Scarecrow (for the effigy).
- Front man, figurehead, nominee (for the person).
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "A man of straw": An older idiom meaning a person of weak character or a sham argument, directly related to the modern term.
- His defense was a man of straw, easily knocked down.
Noun
- an effigy in the shape of a man to frighten birds away from seeds
- a weak or sham argument set up to be easily refuted
- a person used as a cover for some questionable activity