(US, politics, of a speech, etc.) That equivocates on an issue while appearing to affirm both sides, by asserting that each is correct depending on which of two stated alternatives is used as the definition of a key term.
Used in a Sentence
if-by-whiskey
Definition, parts of speech, synonyms, and sentence examples for if-by-whiskey.
Editorial note
Does anyone know of any other examples of if-by-whiskey being used today?
Examples17
Definitions1
Parts of speech1
Quick take
(US, politics, of a speech, etc.) That equivocates on an issue while appearing to affirm both sides, by asserting that each is correct depending on which of two stated alternatives is used as the definition of a key term.
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of if-by-whiskey gathered in one view.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for if-by-whiskey.
adjective
(US, politics, of a speech, etc.) That equivocates on an issue while appearing to affirm both sides, by asserting that each is correct depending on which of two stated alternatives is used as the definition of a key term.
Example sentences
Does anyone know of any other examples of if-by-whiskey being used today?
The first if-by-whiskey is an over-the-top satire of whiskey-haters.
Before I read this post I didn't really grasp the if-by-whiskey fallacy.
It goes both ways, like an if-by-whiskey.
It turned into if-by-whiskey as I wrote it.
If by "if-by-whiskey" you mean the fallacious, flip-flopping, cowardly practice of pandering, then certainly I am against it.
From the description of the fallacy the "if-by-whiskey" fallacy would be someone taking either one side, or the other.
But, if when you say "if-by-whiskey" you mean the circumspect, open-minded, responsive practice of consideration, then I am certainly for it.
See: If-by-whiskey.[1] And if you're worried about affecting their image instead of the speaker's, you pick one side and silence the other.
"Does anyone know of any other examples of if-by-whiskey being used today?" The whole debt debate.
(Borrowed from the "If-by-whiskey" speech, delivered by Noah Sweat in 1952.
I will not compromise." I really hate to say it, but I haven't seen this if-by-whiskey technique so formally named, but it does give me great insight into political double-speak.
Quote examples
If by "if-by-whiskey" you mean the fallacious, flip-flopping, cowardly practice of pandering, then certainly I am against it.
From the description of the fallacy the "if-by-whiskey" fallacy would be someone taking either one side, or the other.
But, if when you say "if-by-whiskey" you mean the circumspect, open-minded, responsive practice of consideration, then I am certainly for it.
"Does anyone know of any other examples of if-by-whiskey being used today?" The whole debt debate.
Proper noun examples
See: If-by-whiskey.[1] And if you're worried about affecting their image instead of the speaker's, you pick one side and silence the other.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use if-by-whiskey in a sentence?
Does anyone know of any other examples of if-by-whiskey being used today?
What does if-by-whiskey mean?
(US, politics, of a speech, etc.) That equivocates on an issue while appearing to affirm both sides, by asserting that each is correct depending on which of two stated alternatives is used as the definition of a key term.
What part of speech is if-by-whiskey?
if-by-whiskey is commonly used as adjective.