non-apology apologies
Sorry, not sorry
A non-apology apology is a statement that has the form of an apology but avoids accepting genuine responsibility for wrongdoing.
These often use passive voice or deflect blame onto the offended party: I'm sorry if you were offended or Mistakes were made.
The speaker appears to apologize while actually minimizing their role or suggesting the other person is too sensitive.
Politicians and public figures are frequent practitioners of this rhetorical maneuver.
- insincereFeigning belief or feeling
- sorry not sorryPhrase feigning then retracting regret
- gaslightingManipulation causing self-doubt
- disclaimerStatement denying responsibility
- justificationsReasons defending an action
backhanded · sorry but · regret · disingenuousness · dissimulation · equivocation · sidestepping · excuses · fauxpology · impression management · damage control · hollow · mistakes were made · prevarication · evasion · political speeches · blame-shifting · workplace conflicts
non-apology apologiesmea culpa
Acknowledgment of personal blame
sincere apology · heartfelt apology · penitence · repentance · confession
non-apology apologiestaking responsibility
making amends · reparations · restitution · self-incrimination · falling on one's sword
apology, apologies, apologize, apologizes, apologized, apologizing, apologetic, apologetically, apologist