What does Godwin's Law mean?
An adage about online discussions and Nazi comparisons
Detailed Explanation
Godwin's Law is an internet adage that states: 'As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1.' This means that in any sufficiently long online argument, someone will inevitably make an inappropriate comparison to Hitler or the Nazis. Invoking the law is often a way of pointing out that the discussion has devolved into meaningless hyperbole and is therefore over.
Usage Examples
“He just compared the school principal to Hitler. That's it, Godwin's Law, this argument is done.”
“The comment thread was a mess, and it took less than 20 replies to hit Godwin's Law.”
“I'm tapping out of this debate before we reach the inevitable Godwin's Law moment.”
Origin & History
The law was coined by American attorney and author Mike Godwin in 1990. He created it as a memetic experiment while participating in early Usenet discussions. His goal was to make people more mindful of making trivializing and inappropriate comparisons to the Holocaust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Godwin's Law mean you can never make Nazi comparisons?
No. Godwin himself has clarified that the law is meant to be a tool for better discourse, not to shut down valid historical comparisons. It is intended to call out hyperbolic and lazy arguments.