Internet
sealioning
What does sealioning mean?
Pretending to debate in good faith while actually grinding someone down. The sealion asks for citations, definitions, and 'just one more example' until the target either snaps or logs off, at which point the sealion claims victory for being so reasonable.
"He's not curious, he's sealioning. Block and move on."
Origin
From a 2014 Wondermark comic by David Malki where a sea lion intrudes on a couple's conversation and politely demands they justify a casual remark, forever.
Frequently asked questions
How do you spot it vs genuine questions?
Volume and asymmetry. Real questions stop when answered. A sealion keeps the same calm tone through twenty replies and never updates their view.
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