Sophistry at its best

The word diplomatic is slowly beginning to acquire a negative connotation. It somehow conveys that all a diplomatic person does is manage to say unpleasant things sweetly or make a no sound like a yes. Of course, I am talking only about its usage in family or friends' circles. It is also fascinating to find that sophistry is now being made out to be witty and is being looked upon as something desirable. Consider these:

Q: Do you know if there is a plot against him?
A: No
It appears to be a straight answer. But then...There is no plot or you don't know?

Here is another similar example:

Q: Are you saying that the Prime Minister is not subject to the Official Secrets Act?
A: No
Q: No he is, or no he isn't?
A: Yes

Another:

Q: Is the rumour true?
A: Yes
Q: Really?
A: Yes, Its true that it is rumoured.

But this takes the cake:

"....the inquiries reveal a hideous web of corruption that forms a blot on the functioning of the Government..."

Make a wild guess on how inane the interpretation of the above statement can get??....I am sure you wouldn't have bargained for this one:

Webs form blots. But this can't be true since spiders don't have ink. So the statement is wrong!!!

Don't tear your hair out yet...It can get worse.....With another flash of inspiration:

Webs can't form blots since spiders don't have ink. Only cuttlefish.

For a wild moment , let us assume that the above statement is made in good faith. It is supposed to convey that webs can't form blots, since spiders don't have ink. And only cuttlefish can form blots (since they have ink?).

But consider the following interpretations which are also possible:

1. Webs can't form blots, they can form only cuttlefish.
2. Spiders don't have ink, they have only cuttlefish.

Equally probable, maybe technically correct but unbelievably asinine. This style of speaking is becoming increasingly popular. Right from conversations over the dinner table to all the "comedy shows". I really miss dry, sarcastic, subtle humor which is hard to find in popular media.

The above examples are examples of sophistry taken from the Yes Minister series since I couldn't bring myself to quote from the Laughter Challenge or similar other shows, which I have to watch, thanks to my brother. Challenge is the right word.