Proof by verbosity

Informal fallacies → Other informal

Proof by verbosity is when you overwhelm people with length, jargon, or sheer volume so that your argument is hard to follow or challenge—and then treat that as if it were proof. Length and complexity don't make a bad argument good. The fallacy is to use bulk or technicality to avoid scrutiny. The remedy is to insist on a clear, summarisable case and to evaluate the key steps rather than being intimidated by volume.

Examples

  • This 500-page report with lots of technical terms shows we're right—if you can't refute every page, you lose.

  • The contract is 100 pages—just sign it.

  • I've written a long explanation, so I've made my case.

  • The methodology is too complex to explain simply—trust the result.

  • We've provided extensive documentation—that should be enough.

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