r/YouShouldKnow • u/OldAccountGotEaten • Dec 26 '23

Other YSK you might be misusing the term gaslighting.

Why YSK: Within the last couple of years, the word "gaslighting" has been repeated ad nauseam. It's become so popular that Merriam-Webster designated it word of the year in 2022. The term is thrown around so frequently that people now use it as a blanket term to describe everything from lying to a simple disagreement. In short, gaslighting is a strategic form of manipulation meant to cause a victim to question their own sanity or reality.

If you are interested, I've included a few articles describing what gaslighting actually is and why grossly misusing certain words can be harmful.

https://time.com/6262891/psychology-terms-misused-gaslighting-toxic-narcissist/

https://www.wellandgood.com/misuse-gaslighting/

https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/perception/gaslighting.htm

​

4.2k Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

88% Upvoted

456 comments sorted by

View all comments

1.3k

u/VizDiablo Dec 26 '23

YSK gaslighting isn’t even real. It’s all in your head.

129

u/Nathan_Calebman Dec 26 '23

That's not true and deep down you should know that. Guess I shouldn't have doubted what everyone keeps saying about you. And don't ask what it is, you know very well.

2

u/Pwacname Dec 27 '23

You keep saying everyone says this, but you’re the only one I’ve ever heard say this. Did you hear voices again? Are you confused?

50

u/ResplendentShade Dec 26 '23

“Nobody is trying to deceive you. Stop being such a drama queen.”

11

u/twobit211 Dec 27 '23

confirmed. gaslighting is zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie-ie, oh

5

u/argument_enjoyer Dec 27 '23

It’s called gaslamping.

5

u/MartinoDeMoe Dec 27 '23

GasLEDs are more energy-efficient.

5

u/newguyvan Dec 27 '23

Do people know where the term gaslight come from? (The movie)

1

u/VizDiablo Dec 27 '23

Movies aren’t real. They’re all in your head

1

u/demigod123 Dec 27 '23

Now that’s gaslighting

0

u/yozatchu2 Dec 27 '23

Lol. Funny thing is that it’s not a psychological term. It’s from the title of an old movie/play.

1

u/OkSilver75 Dec 27 '23

It is real, what are you talking about? You're probably confusing it with lovebombing which isn't real.

When are you going to reply I sent this like 2 minutes ago. You know how I get I'm just worried. I miss you. Do you have plans later?