Godwin's Law

American  

[god-winz law] / ˈgɒd wɪnz ˈlɔ /

noun

1. an adage of internet culture stating that as any discussion or debate grows longer, there is a proportionate increase in the probability that someone will invoke a comparison to Hitler or the Nazi party.

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Etymology

Origin of Godwin's Law

Named after U.S. lawyer and author Mike Godwin (born 1956), who formulated the adage in 1991

Example Sentences

Back in the early days of the internet, there was a thing called Godwin's Law which held that "as an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches."

From Salon

On the Internet, Nazis have been mentioned so often, and for so long, that in 1990 author-attorney Mike Godwin formulated “Godwin’s Law” for them: “As an online discussion continues, the probability of a reference or comparison to Hitler or Nazis approaches 1.”

From Seattle Times

Such laziness led to an adage called Godwin’s Law: The longer an online discussion continues, the greater the likelihood of comparisons with Nazis and Hitler.

From Seattle Times

More than 30 years later, Godwin’s Law is still popular.

From Slate

But recent academic research makes a bold claim: Godwin’s Law does not work in practice.

From Slate