Skeemad

Skeemad is a neologism used in speculative fiction and online discourse to describe a deliberately deceptive or overcomplicated scheme intended to mislead a target audience or influence outcomes. The term can denote the plan itself, the tactic, or the person who deploys it. Etymology is uncertain; the word is commonly treated as a blend of scheme and a suffix that signals intensity, with some commentators noting a resemblance to Afrikaans skeem meaning scheme.

In fictional settings, skeemad functions as a narrative device to critique power and to illustrate how elaborate schemes exploit information gaps and social dynamics. Authors may present skeemads as orchestrated plans that combine misdirection, staged evidence, and performative messaging to sway characters or readers.

In real-world discourse, skeemad is used as a metaphor for complex, manipulative proposals—such as policy initiatives, advertising campaigns, or political messaging—that appear plausible but rely on misdirection or manufactured confusion. Proponents of the term argue for greater transparency, fact-checking, and scrutiny of the underlying assumptions; critics use it to challenge sensational rhetoric.

Variants include open skeemad (acknowledged manipulation) and covert skeemad (hidden manipulation), as well as mild to extreme forms, depending on scale, risk, and intent. The term remains informal and context-dependent, gaining traction mainly in online communities and comparative political analysis.

See also: disinformation, propaganda, misinformation, deception, critical thinking.