It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Does

Said when the point under discussion hinges on the meanings of words and phrases:


 * If you look at the strict dictionary definition of the words I used, ignoring the common connotations that are familiar to any native speaker, I didn't say anything insulting.


 * When I say {common term, used in dozens of messages in the thread} I don't mean {the common contextual meaning}, I mean {something entirely idiosyncratic}.


 * Just because X said all Ys are {something objectionable}, and you're a Y, doesn't mean X was talking about you. 


 * When I said that {group to which you belong} are miserable stupid fucktards, why did you think I was talking about you? 


 * You fail to understand that X intended you to read this a certain way, so it's completely immaterial that the actual text doesn't say that. 


 * It's just rhetoric. 


 * It's just semantics.

Said when the point in question is debatable, and in fact is being debated:


 * It's a moot (or mute) point.