Etymology of Red Herring
The phrase “red herring” originated from the practice of using a strong-smelling fish called a red herring to mislead hunting dogs during training in the 17th century. By dragging the fish across the intended scent trail, the dogs would be distracted and led astray. Over time, the term metaphorically evolved to describe any misleading or distracting tactic used to divert attention from the truth or the main point of an argument, and it is now commonly used in various contexts to signify intentional deception or confusion.
Meanings of Red Herring
- Red herring refers to a deliberate diversion or distraction from the main issue or topic being discussed.
- It is commonly used as a tactic in debates or arguments to steer attention away from an uncomfortable or unfavorable topic.
- A red herring can also be a false lead or clue intentionally introduced to misdirect an investigation.
- In literature, it serves as a plot device used to mislead the reader or create suspense.
Red Herring in Grammar
- The term is singular and takes a singular verb. For example, you would say “That red herring is misleading” instead of “That red herring are misleading.”
- When referring to multiple instances, you would use the plural form “red herrings” and employ a plural verb.
- For instance, you would say “These red herrings are deceptive” rather than “These red herrings is deceptive.”
Definition of Red Herring
It is a deliberate diversion or distraction from the main issue or topic being discussed. It is a literary device used to steer attention away from an uncomfortable or unfavorable topic. This term can also refer to a false lead or clue that is intentionally introduced to misdirect an investigation or confuse someone.
Types of Term
There are several types of red herring, including:
| Type | Definition | Example |
| Ignoring the issue | This occurs when someone completely disregards the topic being discussed and instead focuses on a different, often irrelevant, subject. | Person A: “We need to address the rising crime rates in our city.” Person B: “Well, what about the weather? It’s been great lately.” |
| Personal Attack | This happens when someone attacks the character of the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself. | Person A: “I believe we should invest in renewable energy sources.” Person B: “Why should we listen to you? You’re just a lazy slacker.” |
| Straw Man | This happens when someone creates a distorted or exaggerated version of the opposing argument to make it easier to attack. | Person A: “I think we should improve the healthcare system.” Person B: “So, you’re saying we should just give everyone free healthcare?” |
| Changing the Subject | This occurs when someone changes the topic of discussion to something unrelated to the original issue. | Person A: “We need to address the budget deficit.” Person B: “Did you see the latest episode of that TV show? It was amazing!” |
| False Dilemma | This is when someone presents only two options, both unfavorable to force a decision in their favor. | Person A: “Either we increase taxes or we cut funding for education. It’s your choice.” Person B: “There must be other alternatives.” |
| Circular Reasoning | This happens when someone uses the conclusion of their argument as evidence to support their argument. It is also known as begging the question. | Person A: “God exists because the Bible says so, and the Bible is the word of God.” Person B: “That’s just circular reasoning.” |
| Ad Hominem | This is a specific type of personal attack that involves attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself. | Person A: “I think we should focus on improving public transportation.” Person B: “Why should we listen to you? You’re a terrible driver.” |
Literary Examples of Red Herring
| Example | Explanation |
| The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle | In this detective novel, a mysterious hound is believed to be responsible for a string of murders. However, it is later revealed that the hound is a red herring, meant to mislead the characters and readers, as the true killer is someone else entirely. |
| “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe | In this short story, a man seeks revenge by luring another man into a wine cellar. While the revenge plot is the primary focus, the true motive for the revenge is left ambiguous, creating a sense of uncertainty and making it a potential red herring in the narrative. |
| The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle | In this Sherlock Holmes novel, a treasure hunt is undertaken to find a missing person. However, it is later revealed that the treasure hunt itself is a red herring, diverting attention from the true motive and culprits involved in the crime being investigated. |
| The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | In this classic novel, the murder of a character is initially believed to be the work of a jealous husband. However, it reveals later that the husband is a red herring, distracting from the motive and complex web of relationships that led to the his demise. |
| Macbeth by William Shakespeare | In this play, a prophecy leads Macbeth to believe he will become king of Scotland. However, the prophecy itself is a red herring as it drives Macbeth toward his fate, blinding him to the consequences of his actions and the downfall he faces. |
Suggested Readings
- Finn, Kavita Mudan. “Pickled Red Herring.” Shakespeare and Creative Criticism, edited by Rob Conkie and Scott Maisano, 1st ed., vol. 4, Berghahn Books, 2019, pp. 61–100. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1850h61.8. Accessed 16 July 2023.
- Guthke, Karl S. “Revelation or Deceit?: Last Words in Detective Novels.” Exploring the Interior: Essays on Literary and Cultural History, 1st ed., Open Book Publishers, 2018, pp. 289–318. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv4ncnxx.15. Accessed 16 July 2023.
- “Red Herring.” Economic and Political Weekly, vol. 8, no. 11, 1973, pp. 529–529. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4362407. Accessed 16 July 2023.
- “Red Herring.” Economic and Political Weekly, vol. 13, no. 22, 1978, pp. 890–890. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4366669. Accessed 16 July 2023.