There is a technical term for it, but I can't recall what it is...

[Darkwind]

But usually, when someone insists on something often and forcefully, they are usually hiding something.


I keep hearing the meme that "Adults can handle this", or "Only and adult would understand"...

Why is it, each time I see some variation on that I get this as an image of the poster?

 

[yiostheoy]

I think you are thinking of androgyny.

 

[yiostheoy]

Or else overcompensation.

 

[theDoctorisIn]

I'm having a hard time understanding what you're describing.

Are you referring to something along the lines of "The lady doth protest too much"?

 

[yiostheoy]

Maybe he is thinking of Pumpkin the FBI agent in this forum.

 

[Darkwind]

I'm having a hard time understanding what you're describing.

Are you referring to something along the lines of "The lady doth protest too much"?

No, something a bit more childish actually.

 

[Darkwind]

I think you are thinking of androgyny.

LOL.....no, but I can see how that would be applicable.

 

[Darkwind]

I'm having a hard time understanding what you're describing.

Are you referring to something along the lines of "The lady doth protest too much"?

Although, now that I think on it, that could be part of it. I'm reminded of a situation where a young person puts on airs and attempts to belittle others to boost his or her own stature.

 

[mamooth]

The Shakespeare reference is interesting. The meaning of "protest" has changed over the years, from meaning "affirm" to "deny". In the play, the lady keeps swearing over and over she will never marry again, eliciting the comment "The lady doth protest too much, methinks."

A technical term for repetition showing a lack of sincerity might be "unintentional apophasis". Straight apophasis is bringing a subject up by pretending not to bring it up, like saying "I won't mention my opponent's drunkeness".