Calling #AnthroTwitter, #LingAnth Twitter, and #Linguistics Twitter. (Calling all language scholars!!!)

If no one has yet coined a term for this phenomenon. We need one. (And please tell me if there is already!)

Let me explain.

There is a growing tactic among Conservatives to co-opt the language of "the Left" (i.e., progressive activism, BLM, reproductive rights, queer rights, etc.) as a method of trying to provoke what they see as hypocrisy.

In other words, the anti-masker above is co-opting the language of reproductive rights ("My body, my choice") not because she is *actually* pro-choice (not at all).

She's co-opting this language, not because she cares about what it means, but because she knows that *you* do.

This is the same impetus behind the misogynistic attacks on Jill Biden for having a doctorate and for using her earned title. What they're waiting for is a "Yeah, but Melania is a nude model/slut/porn star," just so that they can say that Leftists are hypocrites for...

...criticizing Melania Trump as a sex worker (something that progressives feel is an important issue). But PLEASE don't be fooled. They DO NOT CARE about sex workers or the stigma of sex work. They care that they can use the argument to shut their opposition up.

They care that you care.

That's it. That's the point.

Trying to point out their hypocrisy is useless because THEY DON'T CARE. You do!

That's the goal of doing this.

This co-opting of the "Language of the Left" is therefore done with a multi-layered semiotic intent. To promote their own views, using language taken from their "enemies," such that their "enemies" can't refute them without looking like they're refuting themselves.

It elides nuance and caricaturizes arguments into simple all-or-nothing positions that a person is then either for or against in any and all cases. (TERFs do this too, by the way.)

It's the, "if women can get abortions because 'choice' then I don't have to wear a mask/get vaxxed because 'choice.'"

"Your calling Melania a slut is misogyny, my calling Jill Biden, Mrs. not Dr., also is but I don't care."

Thus forcing the argument to mean what they want it to mean.

Anyway.

Do we have a term for this?!?!

@LangInTrumpEra -- @janetmc6 -- Maybe something you've come across?

Honestly, I see it as insidious. It's not just apathy; it's weaponizing your own care against you.