pilpul
- noun
- /ˈpɪlˌpʊl/
- Jargon
:
pilpul
- During the debate, the candidate used pilpul to avoid giving a straight answer to the question.
Examples
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That is another example of extreme hairsplitting and an extrapolation of a "State" concept that is not warranted by the text, i.e., pilpul.
Blog text (29) -
That is an example of unwarranted extrapolation or pilpul.
Blog text (29) -
There's nothing anti-Semitic about calling extreme hairsplitting or extrapolation of contentious and doubtful concepts from texts "pilpul."
Blog text (29) -
The lawyer's argument was filled with pilpul, making it hard to follow his main point.
-
His explanation descended into pilpul, leaving the audience confused rather than enlightened.
Synonyms
11
6.8
A small complaint about unimportant details used to avoid the main point
1
7.7
Making very small, unimportant differences in an argument or discussion
1
8.5
A reason that seems good but is actually wrong
1
8.2
Paying too much attention to small unimportant details in a debate
1
9.9
Using clever but wrong reasoning to avoid giving a clear answer
Very complicated, tricky argument that tries to hide the truth
A small, unimportant objection that distracts from the main point
Surface Forms
Etymology
Pilpul comes from the Hebrew word pilpel, 'pepper' or 'sharpness', giving the image of many small, sharp points. So pilpul can also mean hair-splitting or an overly subtle argument that confuses more than it helps.