being literal<!-- --> | <!-- -->The Australian Dictionary of Invisible Culture for Teachers

The Australian Dictionary of Invisible Culture for Teachers


being literal

attitude: some people can think like this about something (see more)

When I want to say something about some things, it is good if I think about it like this: I will say some words. I want to say something with these words. I don’t want these words to say more.

Note

Of course, being 'good if I think about it like this' doens't necessarily reflect what is said. As lies, exaggerations, pulling someone's leg, and bullshitting are all part of interactions.

"I literally mean that there was a koala outside my office today. In the tree there."

"Did you mean it when you said we could go to the Gold Coast for Easter?' 'Of course, I'm not pulling your leg."

"You better not be telling stories when you say that Chris Hemsworth is visiting Canberra."

against exaggerationunderstatementfaithfully representing facts (what happened)faithfully representing facts (how it happened)


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