Plausicorrelative Scheme
Katakana Transliteration Pronunciation: プラウジコレラティブ・スキーム
Part of speech: noun
Definition
A rhetorical arrangement in which information is positioned to create a plausible but unstated correlation, allowing the writer or speaker to imply a connection while preserving deniability.
Nothing explicit is asserted. Instead, the structure of the statement invites the audience to draw the intended inference on their own.
Etymology
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plausi- from “plausible” meaning believable
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correlative meaning bearing a mutual relationship
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scheme meaning a structured arrangement
Literal meaning: a designed arrangement that produces a believable correlation.
How It Works
A plausicorrelative scheme relies on:
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Juxtaposition
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Sequencing
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Framing
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Audience inference
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Author deniability
The rhetoric functions through implication rather than claim.
Primary Example (from the Reddit screenshot)
“A new rebirth of Christian values is sweeping the nation and KKK membership is sky rocketing.”
The commenter never explicitly states that the Christian revival caused the rise in KKK membership. However, the phrasing positions the two events immediately next to each other, which encourages readers to assume a relationship.
This is a perfect plausicorrelative scheme.
Why This Example Works (Simplified)
1. Juxtaposition implies a link
Placing “Christian values” and “KKK membership” in the same sentence makes them feel connected, even though no link is stated.
2. No explicit causation is claimed
The writer does not use words like “caused” or “led to,” which preserves plausible deniability.
3. The audience fills in the inference
The side-by-side placement encourages readers to assume a relationship on their own.
4. A shadow thesis is created
Readers walk away thinking the two trends are related, while the author can insist they only listed facts.
5. Emotional contrast strengthens the effect
A positive concept (Christian revival) paired with a negative one (KKK surge) amplifies the implied connection.
Restatement of the Example as a Dictionary Usage Sentence
The historian relied on a plausicorrelative scheme when he mentioned the rise of Christian values and the spike in KKK membership in the same breath, prompting readers to infer a connection he never explicitly claimed.
Example from YouTube Drama
In the reaction video covering of the “Japan’s Biggest Liar” critique, the reactor argues that Chris Abroad used a plausicorrelative scheme by cutting together unrelated footage of Alyssa’s uncomfortable laughter during a harassment incident with separate clips about homelessness. The edit never states she mocked homeless people, but the sequence encourages viewers to assume it.
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