Social Media Discourse

noun a logical fallacy where someone distorts or misrepresents an opponent's argument in order to make it easier to attack

verb to use the straw man fallacy in an argument

• The debater was accused of straw-manning his opponent's argument by misrepresenting it.
• Stop straw-manning my points and actually listen to what I'm saying.
• Don't be a straw-manner and twist my words like that.
• She felt like her ideas were being straw-manned by the group, making her hesitant to speak up.

noun a sharp exchange of words or criticisms between two or more people

• During the debate, the two politicians continued to trade barbs about each other's policies.
• The siblings always trade barbs whenever they get together for family gatherings.
• The players on the opposing teams love to trade barbs on the field.
• The comedians on the show are known for their ability to trade barbs in a friendly and entertaining manner.

noun a charge or claim that someone has done something wrong or illegal

adjective accusatory

• The accusation of fraud led to a thorough investigation by the authorities.
• She made a false accusation against her coworker, causing tension in the office.
• I can't believe the accusation he made against me, it's totally bogus.
• The accusation hung over her like a dark cloud, affecting her reputation.