Literal-Minded

A literal-minded person just doesn't get figurative speech, instead interpreting instructions, idioms, understatement, sarcasm, and so forth completely literally. Some of the ways this trope is played: Bothering by the Book and Exact Words, where somebody deliberately uses a literal interpretation in order to gain an advantage, make a point or "win" an argument, perhaps using Obfuscating Stupidity. Often used in Loophole Abuse. Compare Metaphorically True for similar manipulation tactics. Literal Genie, and its malicious counterpart, Jackass Genie. Mathematician's Answer A reactive form of Spock Speak, to emphasize a character's alienness. Literalist Snarking, when done deliberately to mock someone. To set up Entendre Failure. Someone who is Sarcasm-Blind. Characters who have this as a primary characteristic will occasionally be The Comically Serious. Compare Literal Metaphor, Shaped Like Itself, and Double Meaning. Frequently results in Comically Missing the Point. This trope does not mean tropes being taken literally, contrary to popular belief.