Spoken language technique

The_Ink_Goddess · Jan 20, 2011

What's this spoken language technique called: when you kind of throw a statement back in somebody's face? e.g.

From the Meg Ryan/Michael Parkinson interview I'm transcribing:

Anyone know?

MP: now that you’re wary o. [chuckles] now that you’re wary of journalists do does it give you an insight into what they’re after
MR: now that I’m wary of them

alleycat · Jan 20, 2011

That sort of thing is sometimes called "active listening"--where someone makes a point of listening by repeating what the other person has said. It can be annoying if it's done over and over. Active listening is usually not done as a way of "throwing something back at someone's face" however.

It could also be "sarcastic" if it's done with the right voice.

maestrowork · Jan 20, 2011

Irony? Sarcasm? Mockery? It depends on how it's delivered.

Xelebes · Jan 20, 2011

Retort.

Spoken language technique

The_Ink_Goddess

we're gonna make it out of the fire

alleycat

Still around

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

Xelebes

Delerium ex Ennui