fauxpology
Hollow sorry statement
A fauxpology is an apology that isn't really an apology—a statement that mimics the form of apologizing while avoiding genuine accountability.
Classic markers include "I'm sorry if anyone was offended" or "I'm sorry you feel that way," which shift blame to the recipient's reaction rather than acknowledging wrongdoing.
His statement was a fauxpology that satisfied no one.
Feigning belief or feeling
- disingenuousFeigning ignorance or innocence
- hollowEmpty within
- emptyHolding nothing inside
- perfunctoryDone with minimal effort
lip service · half-hearted · unconvincing · token · meaningless · sham · feigned · pretense
Apologetic preface to refusal
- mistakes were madeBlame-free confession of error
- weasel wordsDeliberately vague qualifiers
- passive voiceVerb form where subject receives action
- conditionalDependent on prerequisites
qualified · hedging · vague · euphemism · sorry not sorry
Change in trajectory
- blame-shiftingAttributing fault to others
- gaslightingManipulation causing self-doubt
- guilt-trippingInducing remorse deliberately
- self-servingBenefiting oneself primarily
calculating · strategic · spin · damage control · image management · excuse-making · minimizing · rationalization
insincere
Feigning belief or feeling
- disingenuousFeigning ignorance or innocence
- hollowEmpty within
- emptyHolding nothing inside
perfunctory · lip service · half-hearted · unconvincing · token · meaningless · sham · feigned · pretense · superficial
sorry but
Apologetic preface to refusal
- mistakes were madeBlame-free confession of error
- weasel wordsDeliberately vague qualifiers
- passive voiceVerb form where subject receives action
conditional · qualified · hedging · vague · euphemism · sorry not sorry
deflection
Change in trajectory
- blame-shiftingAttributing fault to others
- gaslightingManipulation causing self-doubt
- guilt-trippingInducing remorse deliberately
self-serving · calculating · strategic · spin · damage control · image management · excuse-making · minimizing · rationalization · justification
- non-apologiessorry not sorry, mistakes were made, sorry but, crocodile tears, empty words
fauxpologysincere apology
Genuine expression of regret
heartfelt apology · mea culpa · remorse · contrition · penitence
fauxpologytaking responsibility
owning up · making amends · atonement · admission of guilt · confession
faux, apology, apologies, apologize, apologized, apologizing, apologetic, apologetically, apologist