The Oxford English Dictionary definies ad hominem as:
“A phrase applied to an argument or appeal founded on the preferences or principles of a particular person rather than on abstract truth or logical cogency.”
When I see the words ad hominem attack coming at me, I run for my raincoat because it’s probable that I’m about to get wet.
That is because accusing someone of making an ad hominem attack is so easy. Seventeen little key strokes. The universal wrench of the unthinker.
So, I propose a new definition:
“A phrase applied to an argument or appeal when you don’t like what the person is saying but don’t want to engage them in a lucid discussion.”
How about yours?