Godwin

/ˈɡɒdwɪn/ noun

Definition

A rhetorical rule stating that as an online argument grows longer, the probability of a comparison to Nazis approaches one.

Etymology

Named after Mike Godwin, who formulated the observation in 1990 about internet discussion patterns. Though descriptive rather than prescriptive, it became a humorous internet law.

Kelly Says

Godwin's Law is the internet's way of documenting how humans argue—we're drawn to extreme comparisons when frustrated. It became famous because it was the first 'law' of internet culture, showing how digital spaces create their own folklore and unwritten rules.

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