Ambilogy

/æmˈbɪl.ə.dʒi/ noun

Definition

A contradiction in terms or a statement that can be interpreted in contradictory ways; an ambiguous statement.

Etymology

From Latin 'ambi-' (both) plus 'logos' (word, speech, reason). The word literally means 'both words' or 'contradictory words,' describing language that can mean two opposing things.

Kelly Says

When someone says something like 'I didn't say he stole the money,' that's an ambilogy because you could emphasize different words to mean completely different things—it's the linguistic equivalent of having your cake and eating it too by saying something that supports multiple interpretations.

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