pointscoring
Racking up totals
Pointscoring is the act of gaining advantage in an argument or competition, often through clever remarks rather than substantive contribution.
The term usually carries a dismissive tone, suggesting someone cares more about winning than about the actual issue: The debate devolved into petty pointscoring.
In sports contexts, it refers straightforwardly to accumulating points.
Formal argument on issues
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
- jabQuick, straight blow
- retortQuick, cutting reply
- comebackRecovery after decline
one-upmanship · gotcha · zinger · quip · rebuttal · riposte · dig · barb
Intended end results
- tallyRecorded count
- leaderboardRanked list of competitors
- rankingOrdered position assignment
- standingsComparative position list
winning · defeating · outscoring · match · game · tournament · competition · championship
Of little importance
- cynicalDoubting human goodness
- manipulativeSkilled at controlling others
- opportunisticExploiting circumstances for gain
- calculatingColdly self-serving in strategy
tactical · strategic · gamesmanship · politicking · maneuvering · exploitation · self-serving · scheming
debate
Formal argument on issues
comeback · one-upmanship · gotcha · zinger · quip · rebuttal · riposte · dig · barb · snark
goals
Intended end results
- tallyRecorded count
- leaderboardRanked list of competitors
- rankingOrdered position assignment
standings · winning · defeating · outscoring · match · game · tournament · competition · championship · lead
petty
Of little importance
- cynicalDoubting human goodness
- manipulativeSkilled at controlling others
- opportunisticExploiting circumstances for gain
calculating · tactical · strategic · gamesmanship · politicking · maneuvering · exploitation · self-serving · scheming
pointscoringbridge-building
Establishing connections between estranged parties
listening · open-mindedness · intellectual honesty · bipartisanship · diplomacy
pointscoringlosing ground
falling behind · losing · retreating · capitulating · surrendering
pointscoringgood faith
Sincere, honest intent
sincerity · constructive criticism · intellectual honesty · earnestness · plain dealing
point, score, points, pointed, pointing, pointer, pointers, pointy, pointless