I’m just wondering if there’s a simple term for when somebody makes a completely inappropriate statement and tries to cover themselves with a weak disclaimer “You probably shouldn’t do this, but…”
(I just reported an item I saw on eBay; not that the item itself was illegal, but the seller was suggesting illegal uses for it, adding “…of course, I’m not suggesting that you do this.”)
Disclaimer?
Sure, but disclaimers are often given against information provided in good faith…
Hedge?
CYA
Perhaps a proviso?
\Pro*vi"so, n.; pl. Provisos. [L., (it) being provided, abl. of provisus, p. p. of providere. See Provide, and cf. Purview.] An article or clause in any statute, agreement, contract, grant, or other writing, by which a condition is introduced, usually beginning with the word provided; a conditional stipulation that affects an agreement, contract, law, grant, or the like; as, the contract was impaired by its proviso.
Source: Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.