What is Stonewalling?
The English language is rich in popular phrases passed from generation to generation. Exclamations like "For the love of Pete!" and "Holy Cow!" are uttered daily. Most expressions originate from legitimate roots and meanings.
A popular term is "stonewalling," a word used in political, legal and casual arenas. Is the term always used correctly? A brief study of its roots and common uses illustrates both where it came from and when to use it.
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Definition
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What does it mean to stonewall? The most common use of the word means to intentionally delay using specific tactics. Those gifted at the art of stonewalling avoid answering questions, halt a conversation and even cause the other person to forget the subject altogether.
How does one stonewall? Some individuals will repeat inconsequential information. Suppose a person asks "Where did you get the money for this project?" A stonewaller extolls the virtues of the project without ever answering the question. In other cases, stonewallers simply refuse to budge from their stance, repeating phrases over and over. Politicians are often masters of this tactic.
History
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Where did the term "stonewall" originate? Though there are different opinions, the phrase generally means unyielding or immovable---like an actual stone wall or the famous Confederate General Stonewall Jackson.
Ancient stone walls, some lasting for thousands of years, trace their roots to England, Scotland and other areas of Europe and Asia. These sturdy structures were sometimes naturally created, but more often built by humans for one reason or another.
General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson is revered for his leading of Confederate troops during the American Civil War. Jackson and his men stood strong, not backing down, similar to a stone wall.
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Uses
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Why would someone choose to stonewall in the first place? Stonewalling usually prevents a person from having to lie or give an answer invoking further confrontation. Lies can be used against a person, especially in a public forum, but an honest answer may incriminate. Stonewalling is evasive but avoids outright deception.
Stonewalling is particularly useful in a political arena. When asked a question that requires an unpopular answer, politicians stonewall to avoid answering the question.
Other Meanings
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In the game of Cricket, stonewalling carries a similar but physical meaning. A batsman will bat simply to keep a pitcher from hitting the sticks rather than to promote scoring. This act is referred to as stonewalling because it serves only one purpose---to prevent play.
Some individuals' version of stonewalling involves silence; they simply refuse to speak. Though not as common, this is a passive-aggressive way to stop a conversation.
Legal Stonewalling
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In the legal world, stonewalling means to employ legal means of delaying a case until financial or other factors force either a settlement or a dismissal. Many who enter into legal battles are fighting a David and Goliath battle where an individual with meager finances seeks retribution from a large entity.
Lawyers may stall a case for reasons other than the actual allegations. These reasons are often barely relevant, but they are legal arguments nonetheless. Eventually, one party runs out of money to fund the lawsuit.
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