Line #21 LaconicTropeDistinctions/DToF


1	%% New distinctions also go on the Canonical list.
2
3	Part 2 of the LaconicalListOfSubtleTropeDistinctions. Items are sorted alphabetically by whichever trope is alphabetically first; if you're looking for a specific one, use the "Find" or "Search" function of your Web browser.
4
5	[[center:''Pages: LaconicTropeDistinctions/AToC \| '''D to F''' \| LaconicTropeDistinctions/GToI \| LaconicTropeDistinctions/JToR \| LaconicTropeDistinctions/SToZ'']]
6	----
7	[[foldercontrol]]
8
9	[[folder:D]]
10	!!! '''DeadPersonConversation vs. MummiesAtTheDinnerTable vs. OfCorpseHesAlive vs. PleaseWakeUp vs. TalkingToTheDead'''
11	* He's not ''really'' dead as long as...
12	** DeadPersonConversation: ...he talks to us from the afterlife.
13	** MummiesAtTheDinnerTable: ...I say he's just resting.
14	** OfCorpseHesAlive: ...I don't get caught pulling the strings.
15	** PleaseWakeUp: ...I keep crying and nudging him.
16	** TalkingToTheDead: ...I talk to him, even if he's not there to listen.
17
18	!!! '''DeadlyEuphemism vs. ImpliedDeathThreat vs. ShameIfSomethingHappened vs. TroubleEntendre'''
19	* DeadlyEuphemism: Referring to someone's impending death, but swapping out the words that explicitly say so.
20	* ShameIfSomethingHappened: Comments about unfortunate future possibilities as a thinly-veiled threat.
21	* TroubleEntendre: Superficially-normal conversation that carries a thinly-veiled threat.
22	** ImpliedDeathThreat: ...Particularly, fatal ones.
23
24	!!! '''DeathbringerTheAdorable vs. FluffyTheTerrible'''
25	* DeathbringerTheAdorable: Scary name but harmless.
26	* FluffyTheTerrible: Cute name but dangerous.
27
28	!!! '''DeathByMocking vs. DoNotTauntCthulhu vs. LetsMockTheMonsters'''
29	* DeathByMocking: Generalized taunting will get you killed.
30	* DoNotTauntCthulhu: Taunting the villain or monster will get you killed.
31	* LetsMockTheMonsters: Making fun of silly-looking monsters is fine.
32
33	!!! '''DeathIsCheap vs. DeathIsASlapOnTheWrist vs. FirstLawOfResurrection vs. ResurrectiveImmortality vs. StayingAlive'''
34	* A character keeps returning to life:
35	** DeathIsCheap: Because the series makes resurrection easy.
36	** DeathIsASlapOnTheWrist: Because the game doesn't really punish you for dying.
37	** FirstLawOfResurrection: Because the writer was determined to keep them in the plot.
38	** ResurrectiveImmortality: Because it's their explicitly-stated power.
39	** StayingAlive: Because they have secret ways to get around dying.
40
41	!!! '''DeathOfTheHypotenuse''' vs. '''DieForOurShip''' vs. '''MurderTheHypotenuse'''
42	* Alex is "in the way" of Bailey getting together with Cedar, and as a result...
43	** DeathOfTheHypotenuse: ...Alex dies in the story.
44	** DieForOurShip: ...the Bailey/Cedar fandom hates Alex.
45	** MurderTheHypotenuse: ...Bailey tries to kill Alex.
46
47	!!! '''DecapitationRequired vs. DepletedPhlebotinumShells vs. ImmortalBreaker vs. MortalityEnsues'''
48	* How do you dispose of an undying being?
49	** DecapitationRequired: Deal it an injury there's no regenerating from (can also appear as the ChunkySalsaRule).
50	** DepletedPhlebotinumShells: Weaponise a substance or property that hurts it.
51	** ImmortalBreaker: Acquire a weapon that ignores immortality.
52	** MortalityEnsues: Remove its undying-[[BuffySpeak ness]], then kill by normal means.
53
54	!!! '''DecemberDecemberRomance vs. GrowOldWithMe'''
55	* DecemberDecemberRomance: Elderly characters fall in love.
56	* GrowOldWithMe: Couple has a long-lasting relationship.
57
58	!!!'''DefaceOfTheMoon vs. DetonationMoon'''
59	* DefaceOfTheMoon: The Moon is damaged by someone to make a point.
60	* DetonationMoon: The Moon is simply destroyed.
61
62	!!! '''{{Defictionalization}} vs. TheRedStapler vs. ProductPlacement:'''
63	* A product appears in a work of fiction that is:
64	** {{Defictionalization}}: Originally fictional, but due to fan demand it later becomes a real product.
65	** TheRedStapler: Real and receives an unexpected boost in sales/popularity due to appearance on-screen.
66	** ProductPlacement: Real and is intentionally featured in the hopes it will boost sales/popularity.
67
68	!!!'''DemBones vs SkeletonCrew''':
69	* Skeletons that are:
70	** DemBones: animated and trying to kill you.
71	** SkeletonCrew: non-animated and the bones of the crew of a GhostShip.
72
73	!!! '''DemonicSpiders vs. GoddamnedBats''':
74	* Annoying, hard-to-kill/avoid video game monsters that are:
75	** DemonicSpiders: Deadly.
76	** GoddamnedBats: Not deadly.
77
78	!!! '''DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment vs. ShapedLikeItself''':
79	* ShapedLikeItself: Explanatory statement that is at the same time a description.
80	* DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment: A description that is repetitive, possibly humorous, repetitive, and repetitive.
81
82	!!! '''DesignatedEvil vs. DesignatedMonkey vs. DesignatedVillain vs. DracoInLeatherPants vs. InformedWrongness vs. JerkassWoobie vs. KarmicOverkill vs. RootingForTheEmpire vs. StrawmanHasAPoint vs. UnintentionallySympathetic''':
83	* When the audience...
84	** DesignatedEvil: ...disagrees that an action is bad.
85	** DesignatedMonkey: ...sympathises with an unlucky character when they're not supposed to.
86	** DesignatedVillain: ...disagrees that a character is a villian.
87	** DracoInLeatherPants: ...ignores that a character is evil because they like them.
88	** InformedWrongness: ...disagrees that a character is incorrect.
89	** JerkassWoobie: ...feels sorry for a character despite acknowledging that they're a jerk.
90	** KarmicOverkill: ...thinks a character's punishment was too much.
91	** RootingForTheEmpire: ...prefers the villain to the hero.
92	** StrawmanHasAPoint: ...agrees with a StrawCharacter.
93	** UnintentionallySympathetic: ...sympathises with someone they're not supposed to.
94
95	!!! '''DestructoNookie vs.SlapSlapKiss vs. KissKissSlap''':
96	* Two people who're hostile, yet romantically attracted...
97	** DestructoNookie: ...make love so violently they smash their surroundings.
98	** KissKissSlap: ...are showing each other affection until one or both suddenly becomes hostile.
99	** SlapSlapKiss: ...are being hostile to one another until they suddenly become affectionate.
100
101	!!! '''TheDeterminator vs. ImplacableMan vs. TheJuggernaut vs. PerpetualMotionMonster''':
102	* Alice keeps chasing Bob...
103	** TheDeterminator: ...despite hunger, dehydration, and a broken arm, simply because she's ''pissed.''
104	** ImplacableMan: ...because she's an indestructible robot following her programming.
105	** TheJuggernaut: ...because there's no blockade she can't break through.
106	** PerpetualMotionMonster: ...because she never has to stop.
107
108	!!! '''DeusAngstMachina vs. KarmicOverkill'''
109	* The character's suffering is disproportionate to...
110	** DeusAngstMachina: The audience's WillingSuspensionOfDisbelief.
111	** KarmicOverkill: The stuff they did to 'earn' it.
112
113	!!! '''DeusExNukina vs. NuclearOption vs. NuclearWeaponsTaboo vs. NukeEm vs. YouNukeEm'''
114	* Nukes are...
115	** DeusExNukina: Used in unrealistic ways to crank up the drama.
116	** NuclearOption: Used as an absolute last resort when all else has failed.
117	** NuclearWeaponsTaboo: Substituted with a weapon that's just as destructive.
118	** NukeEm: Used frequently, recklessly and exclusively to almost anything else.
119	** YouNukeEm: Used whenever the player in a video game feels like using them.
120
121	!!! '''DieForOurShip vs. ShipToShipCombat''':
122	* Shipper fights for their OTP...
123	** DieForOurShip: by destroying characters in the way.
124	** ShipToShipCombat: by destroying other fans in the way.
125
126	!!! '''DieselPunk vs. RaygunGothic:'''
127	* RaygunGothic: How sci-fi artists of the 20's through the 50's imagined the future would look.
128	* DieselPunk: How sci-fi authors of today imagine the 20's through the 50's could have gone if our grandparents had more AppliedPhlebotinum.
129
130	!!! '''DirtyCoward vs. KnowWhenToFoldEm vs. ScrewThisImOuttaHere:'''
131	* Character flees the challenge...
132	** DirtyCoward: Because they're a scumbag who only cares for themselves.
133	** KnowWhenToFoldEm: Because it's the best course of action.
134	** ScrewThisImOuttaHere: Because they can't handle this situation anymore.
135
136	!!! '''DiscOneFinalBoss vs. StarterVillain'''
137	* DiscOneFinalBoss: The BigBad is beaten early, and another villain fills the role.
138	* StarterVillain: Villain that's a warm-up for TheHero prior to facing the BigBad.
139
140	!!! '''Discontinuity: CanonDiscontinuity vs. FanonDiscontinuity vs. AudienceAlienatingEra vs. {{Retcon}}'''
141	* Something happened in a show, but...
142	** CanonDiscontinuity: ...WordOfGod says it didn't happen.
143	** FanonDiscontinuity: ...The fans pretend it didn't happen.
144	** AudienceAlienatingEra: ...We don't like to talk about that.
145	** {{Retcon}}: ...It was changed so that it happened differently.
146
147	!!! '''DiscreditedTrope vs. DeadHorseTrope vs. ForgottenTrope vs. UndeadHorseTrope vs. DeadUnicornTrope'''
148	* DiscreditedTrope: That trope is hardly played straight anymore.
149	* DeadHorseTrope: A trope is never played straight anymore.
150	* ForgottenTrope: A trope isn't even heard of anymore.
151	* UndeadHorseTrope: A trope that refuses to die.
152	* DeadUnicornTrope: A trope never was played straight to begin with.
153
154	!!! '''DiseaseByAnyOtherName vs. TheDiseaseThatShallNotBeNamed'''
155	* A disease isn't specified because...
156	** DiseaseByAnyOtherName: ...the characters don't know what's wrong.
157	** TheDiseaseThatShallNotBeNamed: ...the writer doesn't want to say what's wrong.
158
159	!!! '''DisneyDeath vs. HesJustHiding vs. NeverSayDie''':
160	* DisneyDeath: You think he's dead, but he's not.
161	* HesJustHiding: You assume he isn't dead.
162	* NeverSayDie: Someone does die, but the writer doesn't want to say it directly.
163
164	!!! '''DisposableVagrant vs. KillThePoor''':
165	* Killing poor people because...
166	** DisposableVagrant: ...no one would notice them being gone.
167	** KillThePoor: ...they're poor.
168
169	!!! '''DitzyGenius vs. GeniusDitz''':
170	* DitzyGenius: Smart person who does dumb things when they stop paying attention.
171	* GeniusDitz: Dumb person who becomes ''amazing'' when in a certain element.
172
173	!!! '''ADogNamedDog vs. ALizardNamedLiz vs. RaceNameBasis vs. SpeciesSurname'''
174	* An animal whose...
175	** ADogNamedDog: ...species is their name (e.g., [[Literature/WinnieThePooh Rab]][[Franchise/WinnieThePooh bit]]).
176	** ALizardNamedLiz: ...given name is based on a characteristic of and/or a pun on their species (e.g., [[WesternAnimation/{{Zootopia}} Judy Hopps]]).
177	** RaceNameBasis: ...given name is ignored in favor of being referred to by its species.
178	** SpeciesSurname: ...species is their '''last''' name (e.g., WesternAnimation/BugsBunny).
179
180	!!! '''DolledUpInstallment vs. InNameOnly''':
181	* Something in an existing franchise...
182	** DolledUpInstallment: ...began unrelated, but was changed to fit in.
183	** InNameOnly: ...began related, but then they changed everything.
184
185	!!! '''DoWrongRight vs EvenEvilHasStandards vs PragmaticVillainy'''
186	* TheDragon won't gun down these unarmed civilians when given the order...
187	** DoWrongRight: ...because [[ItWorksBetterWithBullets he has to reload first]].
188	** EvenEvilHasStandards: ...because it's wrong.
189	** PragmaticVillainy: ...because he can use hostages.
190
191	!!! '''DragonAscendant vs. TheStarscream'''
192	* TheDragon replaces his master because...
193	** DragonAscendant: ... the heroes defeated him.
194	** TheStarscream: ...''he'' killed him.
195
196	!!! '''DreamCrushingHandicap vs. GiftedlyBad vs. HighHopesZeroTalent vs. ICouldaBeenAContender'''
197	* A character cannot achieve his life's ambition because of:
198	** DreamCrushingHandicap: A physical handicap.
199	** HighHopesZeroTalent: Utter, nigh-incurable incompetence.
200	*** GiftedlyBad: But that incompetence comes out the other side as SoBadItsGood.
201	** ICouldaBeenAContender: Circumstances that kept him from getting his big break.
202
203	!!! '''DualBoss vs. FlunkyBoss vs. WolfpackBoss'''
204	* A boss battle involves multiple targets.
205	** DualBoss: Each one is strong enough to be its own boss.
206	** FlunkyBoss: It's one strong enemy with a group of weaker minions.
207	** WolfpackBoss: Each one isn't too hard in isolation, but they can overwhelm you with a numbers advantage.
208
209	!!!'''DullSurprise vs. FlatJoy vs. ThatMakesMeFeelAngry'''
210	* DullSurprise: Actor's flat delivery undermines emotional expression.
211	* FlatJoy: Character speaks flatly to either be sarcastic or downplay emotional expression.
212	* ThatMakesMeFeelAngry: Character explains what they're feeling, usually out of unfamiliarity with normal emotional expression.
213
214	!!!'''DumbIsGood vs GoodIsDumb'''
215	* A good person is stupid, or at least more stupid than he used to be. Which came first?
216	** DumbIsGood: The stupidity.
217	** GoodIsDumb: The goodness.
218
219	!!!'''DystopiaJustifiesTheMeans vs ToCreateAPlaygroundForEvil'''
220	* The villain wants to create...
221	** DystopiaJustifiesTheMeans: An oppressive, soul-crushing society.
222	** ToCreateAPlaygroundForEvil: A world of chaos where the most brutal always win.
223	[[/folder]]
224
225	[[folder:E]]
226	!!! '''EarlyBirdBoss vs WakeUpCallBoss vs WarmUpBoss''':
227	* You can't beat this guy because:
228	** EarlyBirdBoss: You ''don't have'' your advanced skills.
229	** WakeUpCallBoss: You haven't practiced your advanced skills.
230	** WarmUpBoss: You haven't practiced your ''basic'' skills.
231
232	!!! '''EarthShatteringKaboom vs. TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt''':
233	* The world is destroyed...
234	** EarthShatteringKaboom: ...literally.
235	** TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt: ...metaphorically.
236
237	!!! '''EasilyForgiven vs. GetOutOfJailFreeCard vs. KarmaHoudini''' :
238	* EasilyForgiven: We forgive you.
239	* GetOutOfJailFreeCard: We forgive you because...HandWave.
240	* KarmaHoudini: Karma forgives you.
241
242	!!! '''EndlessGame vs. GameOver vs. {{Unwinnable}}:'''
243	* Oops! You lose!:
244	** EndlessGame: The game was only about ScoringPoints, how many did you get?
245	** GameOver: You ran out of lives/whatever and can't continue playing.
246	** {{Unwinnable}}: And you may not know you lost for a while, since you can keep playing...
247
248	!!! '''EndOfAnAge vs. {{Gotterdammerung}} vs. HereThereWereDragons vs. TheMagicGoesAway:'''
249	* An age gives way to another, and the story...
250	** EndOfAnAge: ...describes the feeling of loss.
251	** {{Gotterdammerung}}: ...describes the violent upheaval that ended the reign of the old gods.
252	** HereThereWereDragons: ...contrasts the magical past with the mundane present.
253	** TheMagicGoesAway: ...gives an account of what caused the end of the old age.
254
255	!!!'''EnemySummoner vs. FlunkyBoss vs. JustYouMeAndMyGuards vs. MookMaker'''
256	* EnemySummoner: Can fight on its own, but also can summon help.
257	* FlunkyBoss: Strong enemy is accompanied by/calls in weaker minions.
258	* JustYouMeAndMyGuards: 1-on-1 fight is subverted when reinforcements are called in.
259	* MookMaker: Does nothing ''but'' summon enemies.
260
261	!!! '''EnemyWithout vs. LiteralSplitPersonality''':
262	* EnemyWithout: Copy derived from original.
263	* LiteralSplitPersonality: Original split into two identical parts.
264
265	!!! '''EnhancedInterrogationTechniques''' vs. '''InterrogationByVandalism''' vs. '''JackBauerInterrogationTechnique''' vs. '''PerpSweating''' vs. '''TortureFirstAskQuestionsLater''' vs. '''TortureForFunAndInformation''':
266	* Extracting information by...
267	** EnhancedInterrogationTechniques: Psychological torture.
268	** InterrogationByVandalism: Breaking their stuff until they talk.
269	** JackBauerInterrogationTechnique: Physical torture.
270	** PerpSweating: Less-malicious psychological treatment (a big light in the face is a favourite).
271	** TortureFirstAskQuestionsLater: ...Oh yeah, shouldn't we have asked for information at some point?
272	** TortureForFunAndInformation: Really creative means.
273
274	!!! '''EpilepticTrees vs. EveryoneIsJesusInPurgatory vs. WildMassGuessing''':
275	* EpilepticTrees: Speculating on what happened or will happen.
276	* EveryoneIsJesusInPurgatory: Speculating on what it means or represents.
277	* WildMassGuessing: Where Tropers can share both.
278
279	!!! '''EternalRecurrence vs. GroundhogDayLoop vs. HistoryRepeats''':
280	* The same things keep happening because...
281	** GroundhogDayLoop: Time is stuck in a loop.
282	** HistoryRepeats: The behaviour of living beings follows recurrent trends.
283	*** EternalRecurrence: ...Even regarding armageddons.
284
285	!!! '''EvenBeggarsWontChooseIt vs. EveryoneHasStandards'''
286	* EvenBeggarsWontChooseIt: Focuses on poor quality of thing being chosen.
287	* EveryoneHasStandards: Focuses on person not choosing something because it's against their personal guidelines.
288
289	!!!'''EverythingsBetterWithSparkles vs. GlitterLitter'''
290	* Glitter appears in the work, but…
291	** EverythingsBetterWithSparkles: It's used to make things look prettier.
292	** GlitterLitter: It causes a mess.
293
294	!!! '''EvilTaintedThePlace vs. FisherKing vs IndianBurialGround vs. LeakingCanOfEvil:'''
295	* A place corroded by the wickedness:
296	** EvilTaintedThePlace: Of the being who lived there ages ago.
297	** FisherKing: Of the current ruler.
298	** IndianBurialGround: Of the being still actively haunting the place.
299	** LeakingCanOfEvil: Of the being sealed away in the vicinity.
300
301	!!! '''EvilTwin vs. EvilCounterpart vs. EvilKnockoff vs. CriminalDoppelganger:'''
302	* EvilTwin: Evil identical twin.
303	* EvilCounterpart: Evil version of the hero.
304	* EvilKnockoff: Evil copy of a hero, working for the villain.
305	* CriminalDoppelganger: Evil IdenticalStranger.
306
307	!!! '''ExactWords vs. LoopholeAbuse vs. NotTheIntendedUse:'''
308	* Gaming the system by:
309	** ExactWords: Exploiting the precise words used.
310	** LoopholeAbuse: Finding gaps that there's no rule for.
311	** NotTheIntendedUse: Creative applications of things the rules ''do'' allow.
312
313	!!! '''ExcrementStatement vs. PuttingThePeeInPool vs. UrineTrouble'''
314	* Someone relieves themselves in the wrong place:
315	** ExcrementStatement: To make a point.
316	** PuttingThePeeInPool: And said wrong place is a pool.
317	** UrineTrouble: Because they're an animal, and specifically they urinate.
318
319	!!! '''Administrivia/ExampleAsAThesis vs. SelfDemonstratingArticle:'''
320	* Administrivia/ExampleAsAThesis: See AliceAndBob. See Alice and Bob demonstrate an example of the trope. See actual definition following behind them.
321	* SelfDemonstratingArticle: Somebody forgot their punctuation marks when describing NoPunctuationPeriod.
322
323	!!! '''ExaggeratedTrope vs. LogicalExtreme:'''
324	* ExaggeratedTrope: Trope is taken to silly extents.
325	* LogicalExtreme: Trope is taken to a dramatic-but-still-possible level.
326
327	!!! '''ExpositoryHairstyleChange vs. ImportantHaircut vs. GoodHairEvilHair:'''
328	* A personality change is indicated by...
329	** ExpositoryHairstyleChange: ...a change in hairstyle.
330	** ImportantHaircut: ...the act of cutting the hair.
331	*** GoodHairEvilHair: The change is specifically a HeelFaceTurn or FaceHeelTurn.
332
333	!!! '''ExpospeakGag vs. LaymansTerms''':
334	* ExpospeakGag: Simple concept made complex.
335	* LaymansTerms: Complex concept made simple.
336
337	!!! '''TheExtremistWasRight vs. NotSoWellIntentionedExtremist vs. VillainHasAPoint vs. WellIntentionedExtremist''':
338	* WellIntentionedExtremist: Villain wants to do good by bad means.
339	** TheExtremistWasRight: ...And it genuinely works.
340	** NotSoWellIntentionedExtremist: ...Psyche! It's just for their own personal gain!
341	* VillainHasAPoint: Villain may not want to do any form of good, but their assessment of the situation has striking accuracies.
342	[[/folder]]
343
344	[[folder:F]]
345	!!! '''FailureHero vs. InvincibleHero vs. ShowyInvincibleHero '''
346	* FailureHero: ...can do no right, so the story sucks.
347	* InvincibleHero: ...can do no wrong, so the story sucks.
348	* ShowyInvincibleHero: ...can do no wrong, and that's the point of the story.
349
350	!!! '''FakeHigh vs. MistakenForJunkie vs. PlayingDrunk''':
351	* A character isn't actually drunk or high, but...
352	** FakeHigh: ...they think they are.
353	** MistakenForJunkie: ...someone else thinks they are (or thinks they're a habitual drug user).
354	** PlayingDrunk: ...they're pretending to be.
355
356	!!! '''FakeShemp vs. TheOtherDarrin vs. TheOtherMarty vs. PoorMansSubstitute vs. SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute YouLookFamiliar:'''
357	* FakeShemp: Actor isn't available, blur the face of their character.
358	* TheOtherDarrin: Actor leaves role, other actor replaces them.
359	* TheOtherMarty: Actor leaves role, scenes are re-shot with their replacement actor.
360	* PoorMansSubstitute: Actor isn't available, get me someone cheaper and close enough.
361	* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: Character must be removed, new character entering is ''almost'' exactly the same.
362	* YouLookFamiliar: Actor leaves role, takes up other character in same show.
363
364	!!! '''FakeUltimateHero vs. MilesGloriosus''':
365	* FakeUltimateHero: They think he did hero stuff, but he didn't...
366	** MilesGloriosus: ...because he's a coward with a brave facade.
367
368	!!! '''TheFamilyForTheWholeFamily vs. HarmlessVillain vs. MinionWithAnFInEvil vs. NeighbourhoodFriendlyGangsters:'''
369	* They're bad guys, but...
370	** TheFamilyForTheWholeFamily: They're too bumbling and incompetent to successfully hurt anyone.
371	** HarmlessVillain: Their idea of 'villainy' is laughably small.
372	** MinionWithAnFInEvil: They don't have any proper malice in them (to their boss' chagrin).
373	** NeighbourhoodFriendlyGangsters: They have just enough redeeming traits that you don't feel bad for liking them.
374	** StupidCrooks: Even when they ''do'' pull off proper crimes, they make some really dumb mistakes doing so.
375
376	!!! '''FamilyVersusCareer vs. NeverASelfMadeWoman'''
377	* FamilyVersusCareer: A character (usually a woman) is presented a choice between their career and their family.
378	* NeverASelfMadeWoman: In many works, female characters tend to be notable male characters' wives/girlfriends/daughters/mothers/sisters.
379
380	!!! '''FanDislikedExplanation vs. TheUnreveal vs. VoodooShark'''
381	* FanDislikedExplanation: Fandom rejects the explanation of a plot point.
382	* TheUnreveal: Plot point is never explained.
383	* VoodooShark: Plot point's explanation generates more questions.
384
385	!!! '''FanDumb vs. BrokenBase vs. TheyChangedItNowItSucks vs. UnpleasableFanbase''':
386	* FanDumb: Annoying fans.
387	* BrokenBase: Annoying fans who can't agree with each other.
388	* TheyChangedItNowItSucks: Annoying fans who don't like change.
389	* UnpleasableFanbase: Annoying fans who can't be pleased.
390
391	!!! '''{{Fanfic}}''' vs '''FanWorks''':
392	Works based on someone else's IP...
393	* {{Fanfic}}: ...specifically, the text-based ones.
394	* FanWorks: ...all of them, regardless of medium.
395
396	!!! '''FantasticAesop vs. SpaceWhaleAesop''':
397	* FantasticAesop: Don't do this thing, even though you can't do it anyway.
398	* SpaceWhaleAesop: Don't do this thing, or something that can't happen will happen.
399
400	!!! '''FantasticDrug vs. GRatedDrug vs. ICantBelieveItsNotHeroin''':
401	* The "drug" that a character is addicted to is...
402	** FantasticDrug: Not even a real substance.
403	** GRatedDrug: A comparatively mild drug.
404	** ICantBelieveItsNotHeroin: Real, but not a drug.
405
406	!!! '''FateWorseThanDeath''' vs. '''AndIMustScream'''
407	* FateWorseThanDeath: The Fate itself.
408	* AndIMustScream: The Fate itself...without end.
409
410	!!! '''FanDisservice vs. FetishRetardant:'''
411	* FanDisservice: You win at unsexy.
412	* FetishRetardant: You fail at sexy.
413
414	!!! '''FightingClown vs. JokeCharacter vs. LethalJokeCharacter'''
415	* FightingClown: Silly-looking but balanced.
416	* JokeCharacter: Silly and weak.
417	* LethalJokeCharacter: Silly and weak... most of the time.
418
419	!!! '''{{Filler}} vs. {{Padding}} vs. WackyWaysideTribe''':
420	* {{Filler}}: Additional side stories unimportant to the main plot arc.
421	* {{Padding}}: Additional material added to the main plot to stretch the length.
422	* WackyWaysideTribe: Additional obstacles added to the main plot to give the characters a hard time.
423
424	!!! '''TheFilmOfTheBook vs. TheMovie vs. {{Novelization}}:'''
425	* TheFilmOfTheBook: ''Book: The Movie''.
426	* {{Novelization}}: ''Movie: The Book''.
427	* TheMovie: ''TV Show: The Movie''.
428
429	!!! '''TheFilmOfTheSeries vs. TheMovie vs. NonSerialMovie:'''
430	* TheFilmOfTheSeries: Different cast.
431	* TheMovie: Same cast, in continuity.
432	* NonSerialMovie: Same cast, not in continuity.
433
434	!!! '''FirstEpisodeTwist vs. ItWasHisSled vs. LateArrivalSpoiler:'''
435	* The twist is remembered...
436	** ItWasHisSled: by everyone.
437	** LateArrivalSpoiler: by official sources.
438	** FirstEpisodeTwist: because it kicks off the story.
439
440	!!! '''FlashbackBPlot vs. FramingDevice'''
441	* FlashbackBPlot: Two parallel stories of a character, past and present.
442	* FramingDevice: Character recounts a story.
443
444	!!! '''FlatEarthAtheist vs. NayTheist:'''
445	* FlatEarthAtheist: Says gods don't exist in a setting where they do.
446	* NayTheist: Believes in gods but won't worship them.
447
448	!!! '''FlipFlopOfGod vs. ShrugOfGod vs. TheWalrusWasPaul vs. WordOfGod'''
449	* The answer to the fan's question is...
450	** WordOfGod: ...Character X.
451	** FlipFlopOfGod: ...Character X. No, it's Y. No, wait...
452	** ShrugOfGod: ...forty-two?
453	** TheWalrusWasPaul: [[MindScrew complete nonsense]].
454
455	!!! '''FlyingDutchman vs. WalkingTheEarth'''
456	* Character travels endlessly with nowhere to call home...
457	** FlyingDutchman: Because of their curse.
458	** WalkingTheEarth: By choice.
459
460	!!! '''{{Foil}} vs. MirrorCharacter'''
461	* A character's traits are highlighted by another character's...
462	** {{Foil}}: ...differences.
463	** MirrorCharacter: ...similarities.
464
465	!!! '''ForcedTransformation vs TransformationHorror''':
466	* ForcedTransformation : Bob is freaking out because Alice the witch turned him into a bunny.
467	* TransformationHorror: ''Alice'' is freaking out because she forgot to look away while it happened.
468
469	!!! '''ForgotAboutHisPowers vs. ForgottenPhlebotinum vs. HoldingBackThePhlebotinum vs. ItOnlyWorksOnce'''
470	* A gimmick could have been reused...
471	** ForgotAboutHisPowers:... but the character forgot they had the ability to do so.
472	** ForgottenPhlebotinum: ...but it's never mentioned ever again.
473	** HoldingBackThePhlebotinum: ...but it won't work now.
474	** ItOnlyWorksOnce: ...but it's used up.
475
476	!!! '''ForHalloweenIAmGoingAsMyself vs. YourCostumeNeedsWork''':
477	* [[WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}} Goliath]] is going to a Halloween party...
478	** ForHalloweenIAmGoingAsMyself: ...because it's the only time of year he can be seen in public.
479	** YourCostumeNeedsWork: ...and people tell him his wings look fake.
480
481	!!! '''ForeignCussWord vs. UnusualEuphemism vs. PardonMyKlingon'''
482	* Profanity is replaced by...
483	** ForeignCussWord: ...the same word in a different language.
484	** UnusualEuphemism: ...a made-up "slang" phrase.
485	** PardonMyKlingon: ...a ForeignCussWord '''[-[[RecycledINSPACE FROM SPACE!]]-]'''
486
487	!!! '''{{Foreshadowing}} vs. RewatchBonus'''
488	* {{Foreshadowing}}: Teases/provides indication of later events. Easier to spot retroactively.
489	* RewatchBonus: Has meaning first time, has additional meaning second time.
490
491	!!! '''FragileSpeedster vs. GlassCannon vs. SquishyWizard'''
492	* Can't take a punch, but...
493	** FragileSpeedster: ...is very fast.
494	** GlassCannon: ...sure can deal it out.
495	** SquishyWizard: ...can do cool stuff with magic.
496
497	!!! '''FreakyFridayFlip vs. PersonalitySwap'''
498	* Due to some weird event, Alice and Carol discover that they have swapped...
499	** FreakyFridayFlip: ...minds/souls (Alice is completely in Carol's body).
500	** PersonalitySwap: ...personality traits (Alice is still Alice, but reacts like Carol would).
501
502	!!! '''FridgeBrilliance vs. FridgeHorror vs. FridgeLogic:'''
503	* When you think about a certain aspect of a show you just watched, you realize...
504	** FridgeBrilliance: ...just how clever it actually was.
505	** FridgeHorror: ...just how horrible it would be.
506	** FridgeLogic: ...it made no sense whatsoever.
507
508	!!! '''FriendInTheBlackMarket vs. HonestJohnsDealership''':
509	* You need to get something that's almost impossible to find so you go to a guy who...
510	** FriendInTheBlackMarket: ...sells you the real thing, just at a higher cost than usual.
511	** HonestJohnsDealership: ...sells you substandard items.
512
513	!!! '''FromNobodyToNightmare vs. MagikarpPower vs. MalignantPlotTumor vs. NotSoHarmlessVillain''':
514	* This guy just became a serious and important threat. We didn't do anything about him earlier because...
515	** FromNobodyToNightmare: ...we had no idea who he was.
516	** MagikarpPower: ...he was the smallest and weakest person on their team.
517	** MalignantPlotTumor: ...he looked like a small-timer, and we had bigger issues.
518	** NotSoHarmlessVillain: ...he looked like/was an idiot, so we didn't take him seriously.
519
520	!!! '''FullCircleRevolution''' vs '''MeetTheNewBoss''':
521	* The new enemy is just the same as...
522	** FullCircleRevolution: ...the one they were trying to depose.
523	** MeetTheNewBoss: ...the one we vanquished last season.
524
525	!!! '''FunbagAirbag vs. MarshmallowHell'''
526	* Bob meets Alice's generous bosom face-first because of...
527	** FunbagAirbag: ...a collision.
528	** MarshmallowHell: ...a hug.
529
530	!!! '''HilariousInHindsight vs. HarsherInHindsight vs. {{Narm}}:'''
531	* HilariousInHindsight: Might or might not be funny now, funny later.
532	* HarsherInHindsight: Might or might not be funny now, incredibly serious later.
533	* {{Narm}}: Serious intent, but draws humorous reactions.
534

Context LaconicTropeDistinctions / DToF