by Bob Follett November 11, 2010
noun | ver·ba·tim·ist | /vər-ˈbā-tə-məst/
A person who insists on interpreting or responding to language strictly as it is worded, often ignoring context, tone, implied meaning, or clarification—typically in order to maintain a flawed or incomplete argument.
Notes:
• Often used pejoratively to describe individuals who rely on overly literal interpretations to deflect criticism or avoid addressing the actual message.
• Related to behaviors seen in rhetorical deflection, bad-faith debate, or pedantic argument styles.
A person who insists on interpreting or responding to language strictly as it is worded, often ignoring context, tone, implied meaning, or clarification—typically in order to maintain a flawed or incomplete argument.
Notes:
• Often used pejoratively to describe individuals who rely on overly literal interpretations to deflect criticism or avoid addressing the actual message.
• Related to behaviors seen in rhetorical deflection, bad-faith debate, or pedantic argument styles.
“Nothing derails a thread faster than a verbatimist in the replies pretending not to get the point.”
“The student’s rebuttal was disappointingly verbatimist, focusing on isolated phrasing instead of engaging with the broader thesis.”
“The student’s rebuttal was disappointingly verbatimist, focusing on isolated phrasing instead of engaging with the broader thesis.”
by FauxLucky May 08, 2025