tone policing
"Tone policing" is a conversational tactic often used to shift the focus from the message to the way it is delivered, typically to undermine or dismiss the speaker's point.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Communication
(derogatory)Focusing on how something is said rather than what is being said, usually to undermine the speaker's argument.
Example
- By tone policing, he avoided addressing the actual issues she raised.
- Accusing her of being too emotional was a clear case of tone policing.
C1Social
(derogatory, power dynamics)A tactic used by someone in a position of privilege to shift attention from the content of a discussion about oppression or injustice to the speaker's tone.
Example
- Tone policing often silences marginalized voices by prioritizing the comfort of the privileged.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "tone policing":