Motte and Bailey

What is it?

Conflating two positions: one modest and easy to defend (the Motte), and one controversial (the Bailey).

Why is it bad?

Conflating two positions in an argument: one modest and easy to defend (the Motte), and one controversial or toxic (the Bailey).

Example in Chat

@trollToday at 8:05 PM

'This entire game and its developers are absolute trash and anyone who plays it is an idiot' (Bailey).

Mod: 'Warning for toxicity.'

Troll: 'Wow, so I can't even offer constructive criticism about the game's bugs?' (Motte).