Antiloquy

/ænˈtɪləkwi/ noun

Definition

Speech or argument that contradicts itself; the act of speaking against or contradicting one's own words.

Etymology

From Latin anti- (against) + loqui (to speak), literally 'against-speaking.' A rare rhetorical term from classical philosophy and oratory.

Kelly Says

Politicians use antiloquy constantly—saying one thing to one audience and the opposite to another—but ancient rhetoricians called you out when you did it publicly and contradicted yourself, which is why consistency in argument mattered so much back then.

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