nonapology
Sorry-not-sorry expression
A nonapology is an expression that has the form of an apology but doesn't actually accept responsibility or express genuine regret.
The classic formula is "I'm sorry if anyone was offended"—which shifts blame to those who took offense rather than acknowledging wrongdoing.
Politicians and public figures often issue nonapologies when pressured to apologize but unwilling to admit fault: His statement was a nonapology that satisfied no one.
Insincere expression of regret
- lip serviceInsincere expression of agreement
- half-heartedLacking sincerity or zeal
- empty wordsInsincere, meaningless talk
- perfunctoryDone with minimal effort
insincere · disingenuous · superficial · sham · platitude · going through the motions · token gesture · grudging
Attributing fault to others
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- justificationReason proving rightness
- rationalizationInventing acceptable motives afterward
- victim-blamingAttributing responsibility to harmed party
whataboutism · counteraccusation · minimization · denial · self-defense · reframing · misdirection · scapegoating
Manipulation causing self-doubt
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- crocodile tearsInsincere show of sadness
- guilt-trippingInducing remorse deliberately
- image managementCurating public perception
playing the victim · damage control · word salad · obfuscation · sophistry · bad faith · distortion · selective memory
fauxpology
Insincere expression of regret
- lip serviceInsincere expression of agreement
- half-heartedLacking sincerity or zeal
- empty wordsInsincere, meaningless talk
perfunctory · insincere · disingenuous · superficial · sham · platitude · going through the motions · token gesture · grudging · noncommittal
blame-shifting
Attributing fault to others
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- justificationReason proving rightness
- rationalizationInventing acceptable motives afterward
victim-blaming · whataboutism · counteraccusation · minimization · denial · self-defense · reframing · misdirection · scapegoating · finger-pointing
gaslighting
Manipulation causing self-doubt
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- crocodile tearsInsincere show of sadness
- guilt-trippingInducing remorse deliberately
playing the victim · image management · damage control · word salad · obfuscation · sophistry · bad faith · distortion · selective memory · moving goalposts
nonapologyowning up
confession · mea culpa · taking responsibility · accountability · admission of guilt
apology, apologize, apologizes, apologized, apologizing, apologist, apologists, apologetic, apologetically