Equivocation is when a word slips between meanings mid-argument.

It’s a linguistic sleight of hand. Take the case of the word “real.” In one sense, real means valid—authentic, legitimate, sovereign. In another, it means physical—tangible and concrete.

Consider this common fiat jab:

“Bitcoin isn’t real money because it’s not physical.”

Here, the word real covertly shifts from signifying authenticity to implying physicality. Without warning or clear transition, the argument manipulates you into dismissing Bitcoin’s legitimacy by falsely equating realness with being tangible.

Fiat defenders use this rhetorical trick to confound listeners, hoping you won’t notice the subtle switch in meaning.

If you don’t see this shift, you might fall prey to their confusion.

Recognize the switch—master the language, and you disarm their deception.

#Bitcoin #LogicalFallacy #Equivocation