>>24552800People deflect or respond with vague generalizations and insults when asked a question for several possible reasons:
1. They don’t know the answer.
Instead of admitting ignorance, they dodge to protect their ego or avoid embarrassment.
2. They feel threatened.
A question might make someone feel cornered or vulnerable—especially if it challenges their beliefs, intelligence, or integrity—so they respond defensively.
3. They want to avoid accountability.
Dodging a direct answer can be a tactic to escape responsibility, especially in arguments, politics, or when they've been caught in a contradiction.
4. They’re trying to control the conversation.
By shifting focus, insulting, or generalizing, they try to redirect the topic or destabilize the questioner’s stance.
5. They’re emotionally reacting.
Some people lash out when emotionally triggered—especially with insults—because they’re frustrated or angry and don’t have better tools to communicate.
6. They rely on rhetorical strategy.
In debates or trolling, vague and insulting replies can be used to provoke, stall, or undermine rather than contribute meaningfully.
If someone consistently does this, they’re usually not arguing in good faith. You can either disengage or call it out directly—calmly asking them to clarify or answer directly often exposes their evasiveness.
