hyperliteralism means the phenomenon of misinterpreting metaphors and figurative rhetoric as being literal. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 82 out of 100.
Why “hyperliteralism” is a great word
HYPERLITERALISM — [Noun] The interpretative error of applying an excessively rigid, literal reading to figurative language, thereby obscuring its intended meaning. From the English prefix hyper- ("over, beyond, excessive") + literal (from Latin littera, "letter") + the suffix -ism (denoting a practice or doctrine). Unlike literalism (a general, sometimes correct adherence to explicit text) or allegory (which seeks symbolic meaning beneath the surface), hyperliteralism is a brittle, context-blind adherence to the mere letter. It is the mind that, upon hearing 'the hills clapped their hands,' calculates the biomechanics of geological applause; that inspects the mustard seed not for the quality of faith but for its horticultural viability; that hears 'I am the door' and wonders about hinges and latchsets. It is the tragic comedy of a soul so desperate for fixed coordinates that it mistakes the map for the territory, and in doing so, loses the country entirely.
Etymology
From hyper- + literal + -ism.
noun
- The phenomenon of misinterpreting metaphors and figurative rhetoric as being literal.