no true Scotsman
Say it: no true SKOTS-mun /nəʊ ˌtruː ˈskɒtsmən/ · phrase
What “no true Scotsman” means
Changing a group's definition to dismiss an example that disproves you.
More precisely: Dodging a counterexample by redefining a group so that it no longer counts.
When to use it
When spotting arguments that protect a sweeping claim by declaring inconvenient members of a group are not 'real' members.
Similar words
moving the goalposts, ad hoc rescue
Where it comes from
Named by philosopher Antony Flew, after his example about a Scotsman.
Quick check
Someone says gardeners never buy flowers, then calls your flower-buying gardener neighbour 'not a real gardener'. That's…
no true Scotsman or a straw man?
Show the answer
no true Scotsman
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