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I remember using the term "mental gymnastics" during message board arguments in the early 2000's. I'm curious if it changed it's meaning around that time.

I do not think I originated negative use of the term but I know that's where I picked up on it. I had to explain what I meant to people who hadn't heard it used in that way before.

I'm just curious.

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    Please clarify the question. Are you talking about the sense here?
    – Barmar
    Commented Sep 3 at 18:35
  • 1
    My intuition makes me think the meaning you have in mind is justifying your wrong actions with clever excuses. But you should make that clear in your OP.
    – fev
    Commented Sep 3 at 18:42
  • It's in Wiktionary, Farlex, and BBC Learning English, with both senses (positive and negative).
    – Stuart F
    Commented Sep 3 at 20:01
  • This could be a good question if you explained the meaning you are interested in and ideally gave one or more examples. Many sources give definitions so it should be possible to find something.
    – Stuart F
    Commented Sep 4 at 7:22
  • When referring to negative use of the expression, do you mean assuming a conclusion while dismissing evidence to the contrary ?
    – Graffito
    Commented Sep 4 at 8:35

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