sealioning

Definitions

1. A harassment tactic disguised as civil discourse, in which a person persistently and politely asks questions or requests evidence in bad faith, feigning genuine curiosity while actually seeking to exhaust, frustrate, or discredit the target. Named after a 2014 Wondermark comic depicting a sea lion who follows someone home demanding they justify a casual opinion. Recognized as a distinct form of concern trolling.

   In plain English: Pretending to politely ask questions in a debate when you're really just trying to wear someone down and waste their time.

   Example: "He's not actually interested in your sources. He's sealioning — no amount of evidence will satisfy him because engagement is the point."

Related Terms

• Troll
• Shitpost
• shitposting
• ratio