3

I'm looking for a word or phrase that describes someone answering a question by intentionally stating the obvious or taking the question too literally, thereby insulting the person who asked the question (by implying that they asked a stupid question).

For example:

Questioner (holding package): "Who is this package for?"

Respondent: "Whoever it's addressed to"

Improve this question
0
2

I would use facetious to describe the person answering.

The definition given by Merriam-Webster is joking or jesting, but in use facetious often has the undertone that the comment was inappropriate.

The words flippant or glib also work.

Improve this answer
3
  • Facetious is good. – Mick Jan 9 '18 at 1:41
  • I like flippant, as I think it better describes the "mean" or "cruel" intent I'm trying to describe. – WordLover1337 Jan 9 '18 at 1:52
  • 1
    @WordLover1337 You've got them the wrong way round, a facetious remark is more often meant to hurt or belittle someone, a flippant remark merely indicates a lack of seriousness with respect to the subject. – BoldBen Jan 9 '18 at 3:07
0

The most straightforward term for it would be evasion:

evasion noun [ C or U ]
​
the act of avoiding something or someone:

  • Her speech was full of excuses and evasions and never properly addressed the issue.

Cambridge Dictionary

However, a psychological term would be passive aggression:

passive-aggressive adjective

Of or denoting a type of behaviour or personality characterized by indirect resistance to the demands of others and an avoidance of direct confrontation.

Oxford Dictionary

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.