About This Site

Figaro rips the innards out of things people say and reveals the rhetorical tricks and pratfalls. For terms and definitions, click here.
(What are figures of speech?)
Ask Figaro a question!

  • Contact Me

    This form will allow you to send a secure email to the owner of this page. Your email address is not logged by this system, but will be attached to the message that is forwarded from this page.
  • Your Name *
  • Your Email *
  • Subject *
  • Message *

« How to Screw Up | Main | Gesture Like Hillary »
Tuesday
Jan292013

"I Would Not Smell the Foul Odor of Your Name"

People who cry for “civil discourse” miss the true problem. Insults—ad hominem attacks—have been part of argument ever since the first proto-human sneered at the second human’s big butt. Insults add spice to an argument, and banter—insulting, competitive humor—can even help persuade the persuadable onlookers. (Keep in mind that most effective persuasion aims at an audience, not the person you’re arguing with.)

OK, enough egghead stuff. Now let Martin Luther insult you. Enjoy!

 

PrintView Printer Friendly Version

EmailEmail Article to Friend

Reader Comments (1)

He some issues :)
February 10, 2013 | Unregistered CommenterGordon Adams

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
All HTML will be escaped. Hyperlinks will be created for URLs automatically.