Coined by Larry David in the "The Acupuncturist" episode of HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm", Shy/Asshole Confusion is when one mistakes a shy person's quiet demeanor for that of an asshole.
Larry: I don't know why you call him an asshole. He's not an asshole, he's just shy.
Cheryl: No, he's not shy. He thinks he's smarter than everbody else and he sits there and he judges and he-
Larry: No, he doesn't, he's just shy! You've got shy/asshole confusion, my friend.
Cheryl: No, he's not shy. He thinks he's smarter than everbody else and he sits there and he judges and he-
Larry: No, he doesn't, he's just shy! You've got shy/asshole confusion, my friend.
by Meeyort Snurn May 22, 2008