I'm not sure what the best recourse would be. Should we broaden the definition to include the "I'm angry and won't explain" examples? Split into two tropes? (If we do that I'd say keep You Know What You Did for the "won't explain anger" version) just clean up improper wicks?
There's also the Trope Transplant option where we keep the won't explain version as this trope and move the current definition elsewhere. The won't explain bit is very much a trope in it's own right.
Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. DickWell, very least if we create a new trope anywhere in the process it'll be subject to No New Stock Phrases.
edited 2nd Jan '16 1:32:49 AM by sgamer82
The soap opera definition is pretty Example as a Thesis, which contributes to the shoehorn. I think the most common usage of the Stock Phrase is a specific version of Poor Communications Kills for relationships. The soap opera definition seems to build off of that and allow easy manipulation of the angry character.
I'm okay with changing the current page's definition to match misuse, but the old definition needs to revisit YKTTW for a proper history and the misuse needs a proper definition written.
Link to TRS threads in project mode here.
Its Poor Communication Kills, so that people don't think the trope has been deleted.
I regret I hadn't kept very close track of this thread. I was wondering if any action had been taken like the option of a YKTTW had been truth when I wasn't paying attention.
At least the definition should be broadened to include scenarios where the accusation of infidelity is truthful but the wronged party stops short of specifying the shameful facts since keeping quiet about exactly what she knows gives her a better position to bargain for favors. This occurs in Atlas Shrugged, with the subversion that The Mistress has no shame about the affair and much prefers to discuss it openly.
^ I think being Wrongfully Accused is a big part of this trope and taking this away is too much of a watering down.
The main definition of the trtropis that a person is Wrongfully Accused of something without being aware of what they're being accused of.
The big issue of misuse is the description focuses on a romantic/couples version while numerous entries focus on any situation where that applies
A possible title for the soap opera definition came to mind just now: Believing The Worst From The Worst
edited 19th Jul '16 6:30:44 AM by sgamer82
A Soap Opera style plot will often have the issue specifically occur because of a third party that is trying to drive a wedge in a relationship so they break up. Usually only hearing One Side of the Story, the angry character won't explain why to the victim. The poor victim is unable to defend themselves since they don't even understand where the attack is coming from.
Subtrope of Poor Communication Kills because if the characters actually talked out the problem, there wouldn't be one.
I'm wondering how much of a difference there really is between this and Bewildering Punishment.
Link to TRS threads in project mode here.Seems like a solid combo of the definitions and misuse to. I confess I'd rather forgotten about this topic.
The difference at first glance seems to be the difference of "I'm angry and I won't tell you why" and "I'm being actively punished and nobody will tell me why".
The first doesn't necessarily require any action on the part of the angered party while the latter doesn't necessarily require actual anger towards the one being made to suffer.
edited 28th Dec '16 10:09:17 PM by sgamer82
We have a term for the "not any action" you claim the angered party takes. It's called "in the doghouse". That is, merely by being angry, they are actively putting the other person "in the doghouse", even if they don't resort to physical punishments.
Link to TRS threads in project mode here.
That seems like a bit of a stretch. But if pressed, I might be willing to see this as a relationship-specific subtrope of Bewildering Punishment. It's a whole lot different from the sort of thing you see in the works of Kafka, though.
I wasn't thinking in terms of subtropes; that approach would dissolve my issue. New definition ...and until you apologize I'm not talking to you! Phew; the character is in trouble and, despite what the other character says, isn't aware of the problem. Often this is because of the characters misreading behavioral cues, but a culture clash or misunderstanding are also likely.
A Soap Opera style plot will often have the issue specifically occur because of a third party that is trying to drive a wedge in a relationship so they break up. After only hearing One Side of the Story, the angry character has decided on a course of action, and refuses to explain their motives to their victim. The poor victim is unable to defend themselves since they don't even understand where the attack is coming from.
Subtrope of Poor Communication Kills because if the characters actually talked out the problem, there wouldn't be one. Also a subtrope to Bewildering Punishment because the character getting "punished" is "in the doghouse" until they can convince the other character (who probably isn't listening) to forgive them.
If we do draft the subtrope, it can start with the second paragraph and add details from there.
edited 29th Jan '17 1:52:37 PM by crazysamaritan
Link to TRS threads in project mode here.![]()
I think that works, personally. It does make the trope more in line with the name so it takes care of the I Thought It Meant problem. Using the soap opera as part of the description means those entries remain valid too.

As I understand the trope, You Know What You Did refers to a situation where one half of a couple assumes the worst of their significant other based on information that is at best flimsy and at worst comes from a known untrustworthy source. They then go on to not elaborate to their partner because they assume they already know the situation.
Due to what I suspect to be a case of I Thought It Meant, a large number of entries and decent number of wicks list the trope as if its definition were a more general "I'm angry at you and refuse to explain why." I confess I made that same error myself, which is what brought this to my attention.
Examples of misuse on the page itself include the entirety of the Western Animation and Stand-Up Folders.
On other pages, misuse can be seen on:
edited 1st Jan '16 6:18:14 PM by sgamer82