literalsomeone

literalsomeone is a term used in online discussions to describe a person who interprets statements and texts strictly according to their literal meaning, often ignoring figurative language, irony, or context. The word blends literal and someone, and is typically used as a descriptive label rather than a proper name. It is not a clinical term; rather, it signals a pattern of communication behavior in conversations, memes, and debates.

Origins of the term are informal and uncertain, but it has appeared in internet discourse since the 2010s and 2020s across forums, social media, and comment sections. It is commonly used in a light-hearted or critical way to call out overly pedantic responses, though in some contexts it can carry a pejorative tone.

Usage: A literalsomeone is usually described as someone who asks for clarifications about statements that are clearly figurative, treats jokes as factual, or demands rigid definitions in otherwise nuanced discussions. The label is often applied to online interactions but may also appear in journalism or linguistic commentary as a cultural observation about communication style.

See also: literalism, literal thinker, tone policing, figurative language, sarcasm.

Notes: The term reflects ongoing debates about how language conveys meaning and how readers interpret text in digital environments.