chop logic

== English == === Alternative forms === chop-logic, choplogic (noun and adj.) === Adjective === chop logic (not comparable) (of an argument, sometimes hyphenated) Characterized by equivocation or by overly complex or specious argumentation; improperly reasoned. ==== Synonyms ==== choplogical, illogical === Noun === chop logic (plural chop logics) (uncountable, sometimes hyphenated) Chopped logic: reasoning which is improper; sophistry. (obsolete, countable, usually hyphenated) A logic chopper: one who makes confusing or specious arguments, especially arguments involving equivocation. === Verb === chop logic (third-person singular simple present chops logic, present participle chopping logic, simple past and past participle chopped logic) (obsolete) To talk back, bandy words; to argue generally. To argue skillfully, using complex logic or clever reasoning. 1905, "Andrew Lang's Charming Sketches of the English University" (review of Oxford by Andrew Lang), New York Times, 1 Dec.: King James delighted to chop logic and theology with the doctors of the university. To make an argument which is illogical, especially one which is overly complex or which improperly uses fine or clever distinctions; to equivocate. ==== Usage notes ==== The verb "to chop logic" is a contranym (i.e., a term which is its own antonym). In one sense, it means "to argue properly" and, in another sense, "to argue improperly." ==== Derived terms ==== logic chopping === References === “chop logic”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.