The Exact Words are also the difference between a riddle and a mere common question. But of course, since you've technically complied with all instructions the company can't fire you for incompetance or insubordination. If an experienced worker decides to follow every detail of every instruction, work grinds to almost a halt. Instructions have to be painstakingly worded such that someone who has no idea what they are doing can complete the task reasonably well. In Real Life doing this with instructions (for example, in your workplace), is called "malicious compliance" or "working to rule." It's a form of striking often used by health care workers and others in industries where refusing to work would put lives at risk. Often a very important part of the Comically Wordy Contract, but easy to overlook because the contract is so damned wordy. Contrast with I Lied, for when the opposing party makes no effort to hide the fact that they were not holding to their end. Can also lead to a Literal Metaphor, Literal Money Metaphor and to Literalist Snarking, as well as Loophole Abuse. When used in response to a question can often result in a Mathematician's Answer. The actual interpretation of the words is often Not Hyperbole. It's very commonly used in False Reassurance. Unhand Them, Villain! is a specific variant. Compare Heroic Vow, I Would Say If I Could Say, Technical Euphemism, and Ironic Echo.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |