I have to assume you learned the literal definition of rhetoric because you attended at least one higher level education course. (Just to be clear: I am complimenting your understanding of the fact that words have meaning).
Most people absolutely use the word “rhetoric” to mean “lie”, or more frequently: “a pathos that directly contrasts my own”.
It has basically been forced into a completely different meaning as part of the lexicon of internet speech.
Well…yeah, but what about the “Fuck Elon Musk” initiative? YOU HAVEN’T THOUGHT OF THE “FUCK ELON MUSK INITIATIVE” YOU BITCH!!
This is the equivalent of the 5G panic, but it suits a different sector, so it’s totally not a conspiracy theory this time.