Godwin
Godwin (noun) means an unwritten rule of online debate: the longer a discussion goes on, the more likely someone will bring up Hitler or the Nazis, usually to unfairly attack the other side. Example: “The thread hit Godwin's law within ten replies when someone compared the policy to Nazi Germany.”
How to use Godwin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRefers to the tendency of internet arguments to eventually drag in a Hitler or Nazi comparison.
Almost always seen as "Godwin's law," referring to the rule itself, rather than "a godwin" on its own.
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Godwins plural
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The thread hit _____'s law within ten replies when someone compared the policy to Nazi Germany.
Etymology
Named after American attorney Mike Godwin, who first described the online pattern in the early 1990s.
Rhymes for Godwin
See all rhymes for Godwin →Frequently asked questions
What does “Godwin” mean?
The word “Godwin” means an unwritten rule of online debate: the longer a discussion goes on, the more likely someone will bring up Hitler or the Nazis, usually to unfairly attack the other side. In plain terms, refers to the tendency of internet arguments to eventually drag in a Hitler or Nazi comparison.
How do you use “Godwin” in a sentence?
Here is “Godwin” used in a sentence: “The thread hit Godwin's law within ten replies when someone compared the policy to Nazi Germany.”
What part of speech is “Godwin”?
“Godwin” is a noun.
Where does the word “Godwin” come from?
The word “Godwin” dates back to around 1990. Named after American attorney Mike Godwin, who first described the online pattern in the early 1990s.