1.
quibble; sophistry; specious argument
A far-fetched or unreasonable argument used to justify oneself or win a debate unfairly. Carries a strongly negative nuance. Composed of 屁 (fart) + 理屈 (logic), literally 'fart logic' — logic that stinks.
屁理屈を言うな。
Don't make excuses.
彼はいつも屁理屈をこねて反論する。
He always quibbles and argues back.
そんな屁理屈が通ると思っているのか。
Do you really think that kind of sophistry will fly?
USAGE:
屁理屈 is always negative. It describes arguments that are technically structured but fundamentally unreasonable or self-serving. Common verbs used with it include 言う (to say), こねる (to knead — i.e., to concoct), and 並べる (to line up).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 屁理屈を言う (to make excuses, to quibble)
- 屁理屈をこねる (to concoct specious arguments)
- 屁理屈を並べる (to rattle off sophistry)
SIMILAR WORDS:
理屈 is neutral and means 'logic' or 'reasoning,' while 屁理屈 specifically implies the reasoning is flawed and self-serving.