Laconical List of Subtle Trope Distinctions


 * Canonical List of Subtle Trope Distinctions vs. Laconical List of Subtle Trope Distinctions
 * Canonical List of Subtle Trope Distinctions: Detailed explanations highlighting the differences between similar tropes.
 * Laconical List of Subtle Trope Distinctions: Short explanations highlighting the differences.

Some tropes are sometimes confused. This isn't the canonical list of tropes that might be confused for one another, that can be found here.

Some explanations of subtle trope differences can be confusing. This is a copy of the canonical list in a concise form. The explanations focus on the differences between the tropes, making it easier to identify where a particular example would fall. Ideally they should be concise, accurate and amusing.

If the concise version doesn't help your question, try figuring out the detailed version. If the detailed version doesn't help, you're on your own.

Please take all discussions of whether two tropes are insufficiently distinguished to the discussion page of the canonical list

If adding a new item, make sure that the full explanation is included in the canonical list in order to keep the two lists in sync.

The laconic version of this laconic (laconic^2) can be found here

Items are currently sorted alphabetically by whichever trope is alphabetically first.

Accidental Innuendo vs. Innocent Innuendo vs. Does This Remind You of Anything? vs. Freud Was Right:

 * Did something naughty just happen?
 * Accidental Innuendo: No, get your mind out of the gutter.
 * Innocent Innuendo: No, but the writer sure made it sound like it.
 * Does This Remind You of Anything?: No, but you're still blushing.
 * Freud Was Right: Yes.

Accidental Murder vs. Murder by Mistake:

 * Alice shot Bob, but she...
 * Accidental Murder: Only meant to scare him.
 * Murder by Mistake: Meant to shoot Carl.

Accidental Nightmare Fuel vs. Nightmare Fuel:

 * Accidental Nightmare Fuel: Accidentally traumatizing.
 * Nightmare Fuel: Just traumatizing.

Achilles in His Tent vs. Deus Exit Machina

 * The Hero is missing from the big battle because he's...
 * Achilles in His Tent: Off sulking.
 * Deus Exit Machina: Busy elsewhere.

Action-Hogging Opening vs. Action Prologue

 * The opening is full of action...
 * Action-Hogging Opening: That has nothing to do with the plot.
 * Action Prologue: That is a vital part of the story.

Actor Allusion vs. Casting Gag vs. Celebrity Paradox vs. The Danza:

 * Actor Allusion: Doesn't Indy look like Han Solo?
 * Casting Gag: Harrison Ford guest stars as a swashbuckling archeologist, with a whip and fedora, named Bob.
 * Celebrity Paradox: Doesn't Indy look like Harrison Ford?
 * The Danza: Harrison Ford's character is named Harrison.

Adam Smith Hates Your Guts vs. Karl Marx Hates Your Guts vs. No Hero Discount:

 * The price you pay to buy a useful item...
 * Adam Smith Hates Your Guts: Quadruples every time you reach a new area.
 * Karl Marx Hates Your Guts: Is always the same everywhere, and often less than you get by selling it, meaning you just lugged 100 of them across the continent for nothing.
 * No Hero Discount: Is the same price paid by people who didn't just save the shopkeeper from being monster food.

Adam Westing vs. As Himself vs. Autobiographical Role vs. Celebrity Star vs. Character as Himself vs. The Danza vs. Special Guest:

 * Bob the Actor is playing...
 * Adam Westing: A Flanderized version of himself.
 * As Himself: Himself, a main character.
 * Autobiographical Role: Himself in the non-fiction story of Bob's life (Bob is not usually a professional actor).
 * Character as Himself: His famous character, Fred, and is listed in the credits as Fred, not Bob.
 * The Danza: A fictional character named Bob, that is not Bob the Actor.
 * Special Guest: Himself for a quick shock or joke.
 * Celebrity Star: Bob completely takes over the episode.

Adaptation Decay vs. Bowdlerise vs. Cut and Paste Translation vs. They Just Didn't Care:

 * It was good, now it sucks because they...
 * Adaptation Decay: left out chunks, added chunks, and generally changed it around.
 * Bowdlerise: Censored it.
 * Cut and Paste Translation: "Localized" it.
 * They Just Didn't Care: Showed no effort.

Adaptation Distillation vs. Pragmatic Adaptation vs. Woolseyism:

 * Changed....
 * Adaptation Distillation: Into a simpler story.
 * Pragmatic Adaptation: During a switch in medium.
 * Woolseyism: For the better during localization.

Adult Child vs. Man Child

 * Bob acts like a child...
 * Adult Child: Because he choses to act that way.
 * Man Child: Because he never grew up.

Adventure Towns vs. City of Adventure

 * A place where the action is. The heroes are...
 * Adventure Towns: Visitors.
 * City of Adventure: Residents.

Affably Evil vs. Faux Affably Evil vs Laughably Evil vs Wicked Cultured

 * Just because you're a villain, it doesn't mean you can't be...
 * Affably Evil: Genuinely nice.
 * Faux Affably Evil: Fake nice.
 * Laughably Evil: Funny.
 * Wicked Cultured: Intellectual.

Agent Peacock Vs. Real Men Wear Pink

 * Bob is Badass...
 * Agent Peacock: Because he's effeminate.
 * Real Men Wear Pink: But that doesn't stop him from having a girly hobby.

Airborne Aircraft Carrier vs. The Battlestar vs. The Mothership

 * Airborne Aircraft Carrier: A big aircraft that carries several or many smaller aircraft.
 * The Battlestar: An Airborne Aircraft Carrier/Battleship hybrid, often IN SPACE.
 * The Mothership: A super-carrier capable of lugging several Battlestars around.

The Alcatraz vs. Cardboard Prison vs. Gilded Cage vs. Luxury Prison Suite vs. Might as Well Not Be in Prison At All vs. Play-Along Prisoner

 * A character is imprisoned...
 * The Alcatraz: In a high-security facility that will take maximum effort and luck to get out of.
 * Cardboard Prison: And they can break out with minimal effort.
 * Gilded Cage: In a five-star hotel and the villain is paying the bill.
 * Luxury Prison Suite: So they arrange for the nicest stay possible by bribing the guards.
 * Might as Well Not Be in Prison At All: But there’s still hundreds of their loyal minions free on the outside.
 * Play-Along Prisoner: They could break out whenever they wish, they're just waiting "for the right time".

Alien Non-Interference Clause vs. Obstructive Code of Conduct

 * The heroes are restricted from...
 * Obstructive Code of Conduct: Doing something that may have solved the plot.
 * Alien Non-Interference Clause: Interfering with less advanced alien cultures.

All Myths Are True vs. Fantasy Kitchen Sink vs. Crossover Cosmology vs. Planet Eris:

 * All Myths Are True: Anything the character has ever heard of is real.
 * Fantasy Kitchen Sink: Anything the audience has ever heard of is real.
 * Crossover Cosmology: ...but aren't many of those beliefs mutually contradictory?
 * Planet Eris: It is real in another reality.

All There Is to Know About "The Crying Game" vs. First Episode Spoiler vs. It Was His Sled vs. Late Arrival Spoiler:

 * The twist is remembered...
 * It Was His Sled: by everyone.
 * Late Arrival Spoiler: by fans.
 * First Episode Spoiler: because it kicks off the story.
 * All There Is to Know About "The Crying Game": but nothing else about the work is.

Allegedly Free Game vs. Bribing Your Way to Victory vs. Real Money Trade vs. Revenue Enhancing Devices

 * Purchasing game features...
 * Allegedly Free Game: ...is necessary.
 * Bribing Your Way to Victory: ...helps.
 * Real Money Trade: ...gets you banned.
 * Revenue Enhancing Devices: ...give you "extra" stuff.

The Alliance vs. The Empire vs. The Federation vs. La Résistance:

 * The Federation: Big nations working together.
 * The Empire: One nation conquers all.
 * La Résistance: Fights the power, small-scale.
 * The Alliance: Fights the power, large-scale.

Alternate Continuity vs. Alternate Timeline vs. Alternate History vs. Continuity Reboot:

 * Alternate Continuity: What happened in the novels didn't happen in the movie.
 * Continuity Reboot: What happened in the previous movies never actually happened.
 * Alternate Timeline: What happened in the the third and fourth movies never actually happened in the fifth movie.
 * Alternate History: What you learned in history class didn't actually happen.

Alternate Universe vs. Another Dimension:

 * Alternate Universe: Same physics, familiar characters or places that are different.
 * Another Dimension: Different physics, familiar characters or places don't exist.

Always a Bigger Fish vs. Bad Guys Do the Dirty Work vs. Villainous Rescue:

 * The Heroes are saved...
 * Always a Bigger Fish: When the big scary thing threatening them is killed or eaten by a bigger, scarier thing.
 * Bad Guys Do the Dirty Work: From killing villain because another villain does it.
 * Villainous Rescue: When the villain comes riding to the rescue.

Ambiguously Gay vs. But Not Too Gay vs. Have I Mentioned I Am Gay? vs. Hide Your Lesbians vs. Get Back in the Closet

 * Ambiguously Gay: Bob and George like ice skating and Barbara Streisand, but that doesn't mean they're gay...or does it?
 * But Not Too Gay: Bob and George are a gay couple, but don't kiss or hug.
 * Have I Mentioned I Am Gay?: Bob and George are gay, Take Our Word for It!
 * Hide Your Lesbians: Bob and George are just friends...or are they...it's dubious...
 * Get Back in the Closet: Bob and George are gay and can kiss or get as down and dirty as they want to...automatic NC-17 rating.

Amnesia Danger vs. Amnesiac Liar vs. Criminal Amnesiac vs. Easy Amnesia vs. Forgot the Call vs. Identity Amnesia vs. Laser-Guided Amnesia

 * A character has amnesia:
 * Amnesia Danger: And loses the skills needed to solve a looming disaster.
 * Amnesiac Liar: And is unwittingly fed one of his own lies.
 * Criminal Amnesiac: And is convinced they are really one of the bad guys.
 * Easy Amnesia: That was easily induced, often from a Tap on the Head, and can be reversed just as easily with no lasting effects.
 * Forgot the Call: And forgets they are the hero of an epic adventure.
 * Identity Amnesia: And thinks they are a totally different person, possibly a famous historical figure.
 * Laser-Guided Amnesia: And only forgets personal knowledge that directly affects the plot.

Amusing Alien vs. Funny Foreigner

 * Amusing Alien: A uniquely otherworldly being who's funny.
 * Funny Foreigner: A being from a faraway (but not alien) place who's funny.

Ancient Conspiracy vs. The Masquerade:

 * Ancient Conspiracy: Keep the evil plan secret from the non-conspirators.
 * The Masquerade: Keep the secret world secret from the Muggles.

And This Is For vs. Arson, Murder, and Jaywalking vs. Bread, Eggs, Milk, Squick

 * The dramatic list of reasons to beat Bob up...
 * And This Is For: ...is dramatic.
 * Arson, Murder, and Jaywalking: ...ends with a mundane one.
 * Bread, Eggs, Milk, Squick: ...isn't very dramatic, except for the last one.

Anti-Magic vs. No Sell vs. Power Nullifier:

 * The hero is unable to blast the villain with a fireball because...
 * Anti-Magic: ...the hero is suddenly unable to cast spells.
 * Power Nullifier: ...the villain has a secret anti-fireball cloak.
 * No Sell: ...magic fireballs bounce right off the villain.

Anyone Can Die vs. Kill'Em All vs. Rocks Fall Everybody Dies vs. Total Party Kill

 * Anyone Can Die: There's a good chance a main character will die.
 * Kill'Em All: There's a good chance a large number of characters will die.
 * Rocks Fall Everybody Dies: ...in one fell swoop.
 * Total Party Kill: ....And it's their own damn fault.

Applied Phlebotinum vs. Green Rocks vs Single Phlebotinum Limit vs. Magnetic Plot Device vs. Mineral MacGuffin vs Minovsky Physics vs. Unobtainium :

 * Neat stuff that...
 * Applied Phlebotinum: moves the plot forwards.
 * Green Rocks: can do anything.
 * Magnetic Plot Device: justifies all the weirdness.
 * Mineral MacGuffin: is fought over.
 * Minovsky Physics: is rigidly defined despite not actually existing.
 * Single Phlebotinum Limit: does do everything, even the things which shouldn't need it.
 * Unobtainium: is useful yet hard to find or create.

Arson, Murder, and Lifesaving vs. Chew Out Fake Out:

 * The hero wrecked a building. His superior lets him off easy...
 * Arson, Murder, and Lifesaving: Because he took down the bad guy in the process.
 * Chew Out Fake Out: Because he thinks wrecking the building was cool as hell.

Artifact of Doom vs. Artifact of Death:

 * An object that...
 * Artifact of Doom: Corrupts whoever has or uses it.
 * Artifact of Death: Kills whoever has or uses it.

Ascended Extra vs. Ensemble Darkhorse vs. Breakout Character:

 * A minor character becomes...
 * Ascended Extra: a support character or more.
 * Ensemble Darkhorse: a fan favorite.
 * Breakout Character: a fan favorite, then a main character.

Ascended Fanboy vs Audience Surrogate vs Escapist Character vs The Everyman vs This Loser Is You vs Unfazed Everyman:

 * Ascended Fanboy: You dream of this happening to you.
 * Audience Surrogate: This is supposed to be you.
 * Escapist Character: This is who you wish you could be.
 * The Everyman: This is supposed to be you and everyone else too.
 * This Loser Is You: This ugly idiot is supposed to be you.
 * Unfazed Everyman: This is supposed to be you and everyone else is crazy.

Asian and Nerdy vs. Bollywood Nerd
An intelligent and nerdy character of Asian descent...
 * Asian and Nerdy: ...from the Sinosphere.
 * Bollywood Nerd: ...from India.

Ass Pull vs. Deus Ex Machina vs Diabolus Ex Machina:

 * The writer has painted himself into a corner. To get out he
 * Ass Pull: forces an unexpected, unforeshadowed and unjustified plot turn.
 * Deus Ex Machina: forces an unexpected and unforeshadowed resolution.
 * Diabolus Ex Machina: Deus Ex Machina for the villains.

Atomic F-Bomb vs. Cluster F-Bomb vs. Mother F-Bomb vs. Precision F-Strike:

 * Atomic F-Bomb: "FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!"
 * Cluster F-Bomb: "Fucked fucking fuckity fuckfuckers! Fuck!"
 * Mother F-Bomb: "Motherfucker!"
 * Precision F-Strike: "I am dead fucking serious, Mr President."

Author Appeal vs. Fan Service vs. Fetish Fuel vs Pandering to the Base:

 * I just wrote something that...
 * Author Appeal: Turns me on.
 * Fan Service: Turns you on.
 * Fetish Fuel: Turns kinky people on.
 * Pandering to the Base: Appeals to geeks.

Author Appeal vs. Playing to The Fetishes

 * The author included fetish stuff...
 * Author Appeal: For himself.
 * Playing to The Fetishes: Not for himself, but for a niche demographic.

Author Catchphrase vs. Catch Phrase

 * One phrase is repeatedly used by...
 * Catch Phrase: One character.
 * Author Catchphrase: Several characters by the same author.

Author Filibuster vs. Author Tract vs. Writer on Board vs. Character Filibuster:

 * Author Filibuster: Stop everything! The author is making a point here.
 * Character Filibuster: To make it a bit less obvious, it's put in a character's mouth.
 * Author Tract: This whole thing is the author making a point.
 * Writer on Board: The plot goes this way so the author can make a point.

Averted Trope vs. Justified Trope vs. Lampshade Hanging vs. Subverted Trope vs. Double Subversion vs. Zig-Zagging Trope vs. Inverted Trope:

 * Averted Trope: The trope that is normally used in this case... WASN'T!
 * Justified Trope: We had a good reason for using this trope.
 * Lampshade Hanging: Look, we used a trope!
 * Subverted Trope: Ha! You thought we were going to use that trope, didn't you?
 * Double Subversion: And you were right!
 * Zig-Zagging Trope: Kind of... but then not really...?
 * Inverted Trope: Hey, this trope was supposed to happen to the good guy, not the bad guy!

Awesome but Impractical vs. Cool but Inefficient vs. Too Awesome to Use vs. Useless Useful Spell:

 * Like a death-ray...
 * Awesome but Impractical: That fires slowly. Just use a gun.
 * Cool but Inefficient: That takes 20 minutes to kill. Just use a gun.
 * Too Awesome to Use: With one shot. You'll save it forever and just use a gun.
 * Useless Useful Spell: That only fires when it's being pointed at something that could be killed with a gun.

A Worldwide Punomenon vs. Incredibly Lame Pun vs. Stealth Pun

 * A Worldwide Punomenon: Many puns in a work.
 * Incredibly Lame Pun: Even the characters admit they're lame.
 * Stealth Pun: Find them out by yourself.

Ax Crazy vs. Blood Knight vs. Psycho for Hire:

 * Ax Crazy: A dangerous lunatic who is prone to just snap.
 * Psycho for Hire: Like the above, but he gets paid to snap.
 * Blood Knight: Dangerous lunatic? Nah, just loves fighting.

B
==== Back for the Dead vs. Bus Crash vs. Character Outlives Actor vs. Dropped a Bridge on Him vs. McLeaned vs. Put on a Bus vs. Put on a Bus to Hell vs. Written-In Absence: ====
 * Put on a Bus: Left the show, might come back.
 * Bus Crash: But is later killed offscreen.
 * Back for the Dead: But comes back only for A Death in the Limelight.
 * Put on a Bus to Hell: Put on a Bus in a mean way, but lives.
 * Character Outlives Actor: The actor died, the character is written out of the show.
 * Dropped a Bridge on Him: Killed off in a mean way.
 * McLeaned: The actor left and the writers kill their character so they can't come back.
 * Written-In Absence: Temporarily put on a bus to keep the numbers down.

Back Stab vs. In the Back

 * Back Stab: Sneak attacks cause big damage.
 * In the Back: Sneak attacks are dramatic.

Badass Back vs. Offhand Backhand:

 * Badass Back: Fighting a character with your back to them.
 * Offhand Backhand: Pulling off a move without looking.

Badass Bookworm vs. Genius Bruiser

 * They're both smart and good fighters. But at first, you don't see...
 * Badass Bookworm: Their badassness.
 * Genius Bruiser: Their smartness.

Badass Longcoat vs. Conspicuous Trenchcoat vs. Trenchcoat Brigade:

 * The longcoat (or similar)...
 * Badass Longcoat: ...looks cool.
 * Conspicuous Trenchcoat: ...is supposed to make the wearer blend in -- but it stands out to the audience.
 * Trenchcoat Brigade ...is a standard item of clothing for this stock character.

Bara vs. Yaoi:

 * Stories about gay boys/men as written...
 * Bara: ...by/for gay men.
 * Yaoi: ...by/for Yaoi Fangirls.

Base Breaker vs. Broken Base:

 * Polarizing opinion about...
 * Base Breaker: ...a character
 * Broken Base: ...a direction of a series

Bat Deduction vs. Conviction by Contradiction vs. Conviction by Counterfactual Clue vs. Eureka Moment:

 * Bat Deduction: Conclusions about what happened based on insufficient evidence are treated as justified.
 * Conviction by Contradiction: Conclusion that someone is guilty based on a flaw in their alibi is treated as justified.
 * Conviction by Counterfactual Clue: Conclusion that someone is guilty based on circumstantial evidence from false premises is treated as justified.
 * Eureka Moment: Conclusions about what happened are inspired by completely unrelated events.

Batman Gambit vs. Gambit Pileup vs. Xanatos Gambit vs. Gambit Roulette vs. Xanatos Speed Chess:

 * Batman Gambit: I know what you'll do and I'll use that to win.
 * Gambit Pileup: Everyone's plans crashed into each other...I don't know who'll win.
 * Gambit Roulette: No matter what happens, no matter how unpredictable, I'll still win.
 * Xanatos Gambit: No matter what you do, I'll still win.
 * Xanatos Speed Chess: If it looks like I won't win, I'll make up a new plan so I will.

==== Batman Gambit vs. Cloning Gambit vs. Fake Twin Gambit vs. Genghis Gambit vs. Lysistrata Gambit vs. Memory Gambit vs. Party Scheduling Gambit vs. Poison and Cure Gambit vs. The Uriah Gambit vs. Wounded Gazelle Gambit vs. Xanatos Gambit vs. Zero-Approval Gambit: ====
 * Batman Gambit: I know what you'll do and I'll use that to win.
 * Cloning Gambit: I'll have my clone so everyone thinks it was really me and I can vanish.
 * Fake Twin Gambit: I'll play like I'm my twin, even though I don't have one.
 * Genghis Gambit: Hey, everyone, I know we don't get along but those guys over there just called all of us pansies! Let's kill 'em!
 * Lysistrata Gambit: Alice to Bob: "Do what I say or you get no play."
 * Memory Gambit: I don't need these memories right now, but I'll do something so that they're available later.
 * Party Scheduling Gambit: I'll totally wreck their party with my way better party!
 * Poison and Cure Gambit: I'll get 'em all sick and make 'em buy the cure for 100000X what it's worth.
 * The Uriah Gambit: I need this flunky out of the way...and there's a Red Shirt opening tailor-made for him!
 * Wounded Gazelle Gambit: I'll hurt myself and blame Alice so Bob will feel sorry for me.
 * Xanatos Gambit: No matter what you do, I'll still win.
 * Zero-Approval Gambit: You're gonna hate me for this, but you'll thank me later.

The Battle Didn't Count vs. Heads I Win, Tails You Lose vs. Hopeless Boss Fight vs. I Let You Win:

 * The Battle Didn't Count: You must win, but I don't die.
 * Heads I Win, Tails You Lose: You must win, now I kick your ass.
 * Hopeless Boss Fight: You can't win, now let's continue.
 * I Let You Win: You must win...as part of my plan.

Beautiful All Along vs. She Cleans Up Nicely vs. She's All Grown Up:

 * Beautiful All Along: Now that you've taken off your glasses and let down your hair, I realize you're beautiful.
 * She Cleans Up Nicely: Now that you've put on a ball gown and had a makeover, you're even more beautiful.
 * She's All Grown Up: Now that puberty's beaten you with a pretty stick, you're even more beautiful.

Be Careful What You Wish For vs. Wanting Is Better Than Having
You wish for something and get it. But...
 * Be Careful What You Wish For: ...unforeseen consequences cause you later to regret making the wish.
 * Wanting Is Better Than Having: ...reality fails to live up to the expectations.

Become a Real Boy vs. Pinocchio Syndrome

 * A non-human wants to get more human-like with respect to...
 * Become a Real Boy: personality.
 * Pinocchio Syndrome: body.

Bellisario's Maxim vs. MST3K Mantra:

 * Bellisario's Maxim: We can't make it perfect, cut us some slack.
 * MST3K Mantra: Not everything is important, relax.

Beneath the Mask vs A Darker Me vs GIFT vs Hidden Depths:

 * Alice is different person...
 * Beneath the Mask: when anonymous/powerful, because then her real personality is revealed.
 * A Darker Me: when anonymous/powerful, soecifically she's Darker and Edgier.
 * GIFT: when anonymous/powerful, because then she becomes a jerk.
 * Hidden Depths: once you get to know her.

Better by a Different Name vs. Follow the Leader vs. Recycled in Space:

 * Let's cash in on the success of The Wacky Adventures of Bob and Alice by...
 * Follow the Leader: making our own show about adventuring tropers which will appeal to the same audience.
 * Better by a Different Name: copying the premise and making the main characters Captain Ersatzes of Bob and Alice.
 * Recycled in Space: doing the same show, but Bob and Alice are robots!

BFG vs. Hand Cannon

 * BFG: a particularly large and unwieldy gun.
 * Hand Cannon: a very large pistol, but not that huge.

Big No vs. Squick:

 * Big No: Character's verbal reaction to being upset.
 * Squick: Physical reaction to something upsetting.

Bit Part Badguys vs. Mooks
Small-time villains...
 * Bit Part Badguys: acting on their own.
 * Mooks: working for a Big Bad.

Bittersweet Ending vs. Earn Your Happy Ending vs. Pyrrhic Victory

 * Bittersweet Ending: Good guys win, but at great cost
 * Pyrrhic Victory: Battle with a Bittersweet Ending
 * Earn Your Happy Ending: The story is mostly cynical, but the ending is more idealistic.

Black Comedy vs. Gallows Humor vs. Dead Baby Comedy:

 * Black Comedy: Jokes about normally serious things.
 * Gallows Humor: Jokes about normally serious things by the victims to relieve tension.
 * Dead Baby Comedy: Jokes intended to offend.

Black Sheep Hit vs. Creator Backlash vs. Magnum Opus Dissonance vs. Old Shame

 * Black Sheep Hit: Hit song is very different from the musician's usual style.
 * Creator Backlash: Creator detests their popular work.
 * Magnum Opus Dissonance: Nobody remembers the creator's pet project.
 * Old Shame: Creator hopes everyone forgot about their work.

Bland-Name Product vs. Fictional Counterpart

 * Bland-Name Product: Alice and Bob drive a BMV.
 * Fictional Counterpart: Alice and Bob's new adventure is set in the BMV factory.

Blind Idiot Translation vs. Either World Domination or Something About Bananas vs. My Hovercraft Is Full of Eels vs. Translation Train Wreck:

 * What Alice says makes no sense...
 * My Hovercraft Is Full of Eels: ...because she doesn't speak the language.
 * Either World Domination or Something About Bananas: ...because her friend Bob tries to interpret for her and comes up with two wildly different translations.
 * Blind Idiot Translation: ...because Carla, the book's translator, fails.
 * Translation Train Wreck: ...but neither does anything else in the narrative or dialogue, because the translator doesn't speak either language.

Bokukko vs. The Ladette vs. Shorttank vs. Tomboy
This is a girl who...
 * Bokukko: ...uses male pronouns.
 * Shorttank: ...is sporty and has more boyish qualities than feminine ones.
 * The Ladette: ...acts like a guy.
 * Tomboy: Super-Trope to all of these.

Bond One-Liner vs. Quip to Black vs. Pre-Ass-Kicking One-Liner vs. Pre-Mortem One-Liner
A cool line uttered...
 * Pre-Ass-Kicking One-Liner: ...before beginning a fight.
 * Pre-Mortem One-Liner: ...before ending a fight.
 * Bond One-Liner: ...after ending a fight.
 * Quip to Black: ...by someone who wasn't in the fight.

Boobs of Steel vs. Buxom Is Better vs. Gag Boobs vs. Most Common Superpower

 * She has big boobs...
 * Boobs of Steel: ... because she's badass.
 * Buxom Is Better: ... so she's clearly more attractive than the next girl.
 * Gag Boobs: ... and it's funny!
 * Most Common Superpower: ... 'cause that's what superwomen have.

Boring Invincible Hero vs. Showy Invincible Hero vs. Boring Failure Hero

 * Boring Invincible Hero: ...can do no wrong, so the story sucks.
 * Showy Invincible Hero: ...can do no wrong, and that's the point of the story.
 * Boring Failure Hero: ...can do no right, so the story sucks.

Bring My Brown Pants vs. No Dead Body Poops vs. Potty Emergency vs. Potty Failure

 * Characters wet or soil themselves...
 * Bring My Brown Pants: ...because the crap was scared out of them.
 * No Dead Body Poops: ...because they just died.
 * Potty Emergency: ...or are on the verge of doing so.
 * Potty Failure: ...because they just couldn't make it.

Brainless Beauty vs. Dumb Blonde

 * Brainless Beauty: does not have to be blond.
 * Dumb Blonde: does not have to be the Brainless Beauty.

Breaking the Fourth Wall vs. Fourth Wall vs. Medium Awareness vs. No Fourth Wall vs. No Inner Fourth Wall:

 * Fourth Wall: Spider-Man doesn't know he's a character in a comic book.
 * Breaking the Fourth Wall: Deadpool does know he's a character in a comic book.
 * No Fourth Wall: And holds conversations with the audience. All the time.
 * Medium Awareness: Deadpool can see his thought bubbles.
 * No Inner Fourth Wall: Jack Slater finds out he's a character in a story, but the story itself is also fictional.

Break Them by Talking vs. Hannibal Lecture vs. "The Reason You Suck" Speech

 * Bob tells Alice what a pathetic creature she is...
 * Break Them by Talking: ...to break her will
 * Hannibal Lecture: while she is interrogating him.
 * "The Reason You Suck" Speech: ...to mock her.

Brick Joke vs. Chekhov's Gag

 * Brick Joke: You don't know why it was there until it shows up again later.
 * Chekhov's Gag: It was a joke. Now it's back for a second round.

Broken Aesop vs. Clueless Aesop vs. Family-Unfriendly Aesop vs. Lost Aesop:

 * The moral of The Boy Who Cried Wolf is...
 * Broken Aesop: ...your parents will always believe you.
 * Clueless Aesop: ...child labour is bad.
 * Family-Unfriendly Aesop: ...don't tell the same lie twice.
 * Lost Aesop: ...what was it again? Something about lying?

Broken Base vs. Fan Dumb vs. They Changed It, Now It Sucks vs. Unpleasable Fanbase

 * Broken Base: the fans disagree too much with each other.
 * Fan Dumb: some fans are simply trolls.
 * They Changed It, Now It Sucks: the fans consider every change in the source as "Ruined FOREVER!"
 * Unpleasable Fanbase: can cover all of the above, but is about how any effort to please the fans will fail because of differing desires. (With the exception of And the Fandom Rejoiced)

Buffy-Speak vs. Totally Radical

 * Totally Radical: is a genuine attempt by the writers (or a character) to use modern (or period) slang, but comes off as fake because it is from the wrong period, or otherwise misused.
 * Buffy-Speak: is a writer avoiding the first trope by using made-up speech patterns that sound plausible but aren't an actual attempt to use Real Life slang.

Bulletproof Human Shield vs. Human Shield

 * Bulletproof Human Shield: Using a human body as a shield always stops bullets.
 * Human Shield: The Villain holds an innocent in the line of fire.

Bullet Time vs. Super Reflexes

 * Bullet Time: is a visual effect to show that a character's senses are so heightened that he can react to things as if they were in slow-motion.
 * Super Reflexes: is a Stock Superpower where a character can react to situations faster than normal; it may be depicted (visually) with Bullet Time, Slow Motion, or some other effect.

Bullying a Dragon vs. Mugging the Monster

 * Before he thrashed you with his superpowers because you picked on him, did you know he had any?
 * Bullying a Dragon: Yes.
 * Mugging the Monster: No.

Bunny Ears Lawyer vs. Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass vs. Obfuscating Stupidity vs. Obfuscating Insanity vs. Let's Get Dangerous vs. Crazy Awesome:

 * Bunny Ears Lawyer: Quirky but still competent.
 * Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass: is incompetent until pushed.
 * Obfuscating Stupidity: Deliberately acts stupid to conceal competence.
 * Obfuscating Insanity: Deliberately acts crazy to conceal competence.
 * Let's Get Dangerous: Said to be badass but seems incompetent, until pushed.
 * Crazy Awesome: Competent because of their craziness.

But I Can't Be Pregnant vs. But We Used a Condom vs. Miss Conception vs. Surprise Pregnancy

 * "I'm pregnant? But..."
 * But I Can't Be Pregnant: ...The doctors said that's impossible!
 * But We Used a Condom: ...We used protection!
 * Miss Conception: ...I thought you couldn't get pregnant that way!
 * Surprise Pregnancy: ...How did I not know until I went into labor?

But Not Too Evil vs. Harmless Villain vs. Poke the Poodle

 * Your villian does not do serious evil...
 * But Not Too Evil: because the Moral Guardians don't allow it.
 * Harmless Villain: because that's how you wanted him to be.
 * Poke the Poodle: and these harmless actions of evil prove it.

Butt Monkey vs. Cosmic Plaything vs. The Chew Toy vs. The Woobie:

 * Your life sucks...
 * Butt Monkey: because of the other characters.
 * Cosmic Plaything: because of the universe.
 * The Chew Toy: to please the audience.
 * The Woobie: but the audience sympathizes.

Call Back vs. Continuity Nod vs. Mythology Gag:

 * Call Back: Relevant reference to series' continuity.
 * Continuity Nod: Irrelevant reference to series' continuity.
 * Mythology Gag: Reference to the franchise's history.

Calvin Ball vs. Gretzky Has the Ball vs. New Rules as the Plot Demands vs. Unnecessary Roughness:

 * The rules of the game...
 * Gretzky Has the Ball: ... are misrepresented.
 * New Rules as the Plot Demands: ... are ignored for convenience.
 * Calvin Ball: ... don't exist.
 * Unnecessary Roughness: ... are ignored even in the face of violent and injurious behavior.

Campbell Country vs. Lovecraft Country

 * The old dark secrets are very...
 * Campbell Country: ...old.
 * Lovecraft Country: ...secret.

Camp Gay vs. Hard Gay:

 * Camp Gay: FLAMING!
 * Hard Gay: GRRRR!

Camp Straight vs. The Dandy

 * Camp Straight: acts Camp, but is not gay.
 * The Dandy: generally concerned with appearance.

==== Canon vs. Fanon vs. Ascended Fanon vs. Fanon Discontinuity vs. Canon Discontinuity vs. Running the Asylum vs. Extended Universe vs. Word of Dante vs. Word of St Paul vs. Word of God: ====
 * The fandom says something happened in the story.
 * Canon: It did.
 * Fanon: It didn't.
 * Ascended Fanon: It didn't, but then the writers put it in.
 * Fanon Discontinuity: It did, but the fans pretend it didn't.
 * Canon Discontinuity: It used to, but now it actually didn't.
 * Running the Asylum: It didn't, but it seeped in as fans started populating the writing staff.
 * Word of Dante: It didn't, but it's unanimously accepted.
 * Word of St Paul: It isn't shown in the work, but the writer's family or other people close to him said it did.
 * Word of God: It isn't shown in the work, but the writers said it did.
 * Expanded Universe: It happened in a work written by a third party and endorsed by the author.

Canon Foreigner vs. Canon Immigrant

 * Canon Foreigner: refers to a character exclusive to a certain adaptation of a previously-existing fictional universe.
 * Canon Immigrant: is when a character originally created in an adaptation is later introduced in the original source material.

Canon Sue vs. Creator's Pet vs. The Scrappy vs. X-Pac Heat:

 * Canon Sue: Character represents the author.
 * Creator's Pet: Fans hate the character but the authors love them.
 * The Scrappy: Fans hate the character but he/she/it still has major role.
 * X-Pac Heat: Fans hate the actor rather than the character.

Cannon Fodder vs. Redshirt Army:

 * Cannon Fodder: Dies to make the hero look powerful.
 * Redshirt Army: Dies to make the villain look powerful.

Captain Ersatz vs. Expy:

 * A duplicate from another work, which...
 * Captain Ersatz: is supposed to be that character.
 * Expy: is inspired by that character.

Cartwright Curse vs. Fatal Attractor

 * A character's love interests frequently end up...
 * Cartwright Curse: dead.
 * Fatal Attractor: Ax Crazy.

The Cassandra vs. Cassandra Truth vs. Ignored Expert:

 * Cassandra Truth: A character's warnings go unheeded, despite...
 * The Cassandra: ...that history has proven them right time and time again.
 * Ignored Expert: ...that they're an expert on the subject.

Cassandra Gambit vs. Cassandra Truth vs. Sarcastic Confession:

 * Cassandra Gambit: I release the truth through low-credibility channels.
 * Cassandra Truth: I try to tell you the truth, but you won't believe me.
 * Sarcastic Confession: I tell you the truth because I know you won't believe me.

Cassandra Truth vs. Not Now, Kiddo:

 * The character has an important message...
 * Not Now, Kiddo: ...but can't get a word in.
 * Cassandra Truth: ...but it isn't taken seriously.

Casting Couch vs.SexualExtortion vs Scarpia Ultimatum

 * Alice, I must have you! Succumb or...
 * Casting Couch: ...you can forget that acting career.
 * Sexual Extortion: ...I'll fire you.
 * Scarpia Ultimatum: ...I'll strangle your boyfriend here and now.

Cat Fight vs. Designated Girl Fight

 * Two girls fight each other because...
 * Cat Fight: ...it's hot.
 * Designated Girl Fight: ...the guy Wouldn't Hit a Girl.

Cerebus Syndrome vs. Darker and Edgier

 * Cerebus Syndrome: when a light, comedic series gets more serious and dramatic as it goes on (but not necessarily darker).
 * Darker and Edgier: a series gets darker undertones over time or when a sequel/reboot/alternate continuity is noticeably darker than its predecessor(s) (but not necessarily more serious).

Head-in-The-Sand Management vs. The Quisling:

 * An authority figure that aids evil by...
 * Head-in-The-Sand Management: ...ignoring it.
 * The Quisling: ...working for it.

Character Derailment vs. Out of Character:

 * Character's personality changes without proper justification...
 * Character Derailment: in canon.
 * Out of Character: in a Derivative Work.

Character Filibuster vs. Holding the Floor:

 * Bob has been up on stage talking for ten minutes because...
 * Character Filibuster: the author is making a point.
 * Holding the Floor: he's buying time or providing a distraction.

Character-Magnetic Team vs. Hitchhiker Heroes vs. Magnetic Hero:

 * Character-Magnetic Team: The group keeps attracting new members.
 * Hitchhiker Heroes: New group members turn up during the quest.
 * Magnetic Hero: The hero keeps attracting followers.

Charm Person vs. Compelling Voice:

 * Control over a character, which...
 * Charm Person: Can be fought.
 * Compelling Voice: Can't be fought.

Chaste Hero vs. Celibate Hero vs. Asexuality

 * The opposite sex shows a clear interest in the hero but he/she...
 * Chaste Hero: is completely clueless about their interest in them.
 * Celibate Hero: prefers to avoid love/lust entanglements.
 * Asexuality: has no interest in that sort of thing; period.

Cheaters Never Prosper vs. Dick Dastardly Stops to Cheat

 * You cheat and lose...
 * Cheaters Never Prosper: ...because that's how things are.
 * Dick Dastardly Stops to Cheat: ...because you wasted time cheating.

Chekhov's Armoury vs. Chekhov's Boomerang vs. Chekhov's Gun:

 * Chekhov's Gun: Seems unimportant at first, then turns up as plot device.
 * Chekhov's Boomerang: You think you're finished with the plot device, but here it comes again.
 * Chekhov's Armoury: Everything is a Chekhov's Gun.

Cherry Tapping vs. Death of a Thousand Cuts vs. Did You Just Punch Out Cthulhu? vs. Finger-Poke of Doom vs. Zerg Rush

 * Cherry Tapping: Weak move finishes opponent.
 * Death of a Thousand Cuts: Many weak attacks combine for strong impact.
 * Did You Just Punch Out Cthulhu?: Weak character defeats very strong opponent.
 * Finger-Poke of Doom:: Weak attack does lots of damage.
 * Zerg Rush: Swarm attack by lots of weak opponents.

The Chessmaster vs. Manipulative Bastard vs. Magnificent Bastard:

 * The Chessmaster: Treats everyone like pawns.
 * Manipulative Bastard: Uses peoples' emotions to exploit them.
 * Magnificent Bastard: It's not exploiting, it's manipulating with style!

Chewing the Scenery vs. Large Ham:

 * Chewing the Scenery: A scene that calls for overacting.
 * Large Ham: A performer who often or always overacts.

Clark Kenting vs. Paper-Thin Disguise vs. Wig, Dress, Accent

 * Wig, Dress, Accent: when a character physically disguises himself.
 * Clark Kenting: when a character disguises himself to maintain an Alter Ego.
 * Paper-Thin Disguise: when the audience isn't fooled by the disguise.

Cliff Hanger vs. Sequel Hook:

 * You wait for the next episode to see...
 * Cliff Hanger: ...peril averted.
 * Sequel Hook: ...a loose end tied up.

Closing Credits vs. Creative Closing Credits vs. Credits Gag

 * Closing Credits: the credits that roll at the end of a show.
 * Creative Closing Credits: interesting variations on closing credits, as opposed to the classic "white text and black background."
 * Credits Gag: a joke that appears during the end credits

Coincidental Broadcast vs. Crystal Ball Scheduling:

 * Coincidental Broadcast: TV conveniently progresses plot.
 * Crystal Ball Scheduling: TV conveniently parallels plot.

Color Coded for Your Convenience vs. Chromatic Arrangement vs. Red Shirt vs. Bring My Red Jacket vs. Turns Red vs. Law of Chromatic Superiority

 * The red ones...
 * Color Coded for Your Convenience: are heroic!
 * Chromatic Arrangement: tend to be leaders!
 * Red Shirt: die first!
 * Bring My Red Jacket: get hurt a lot!
 * Turns Red: are harder to beat when they get pissed off!
 * Law of Chromatic Superiority: go faster!

Combat Medic vs. Deadly Doctor vs. Martial Medic

 * The character knows how to heal...
 * Combat Medic: and also can fight.
 * Deadly Doctor: and uses this knowledge to fight.
 * Martial Medic: because he knows how to fight.

Confusion Fu vs. Indy Ploy vs. Strategy Schmategy:

 * Bob is unpredictable because...
 * Confusion Fu: he's trying to be unpredictable.
 * Indy Ploy: he's improvising.
 * Strategy Schmategy: he's a moron.

Conveniently an Orphan vs. Orphan's Ordeal:

 * Conveniently an Orphan: Orphanhood enables the plot.
 * Orphan's Ordeal: Orphanhood is the plot.

Conviction by Contradiction vs. Conviction by Counterfactual Clue:

 * Conviction by Contradiction: Showing that Bob's alibi was false doesn't prove he's guilty.
 * Conviction by Counterfactual Clue: Bob is "proved" guilty with incorrect evidence.

Cordon Bleugh Chef vs. Lethal Chef vs. One-Note Cook

 * A cook that makes very bad, even toxic food...
 * Cordon Bleugh Chef: ...through misguided experimentation.
 * Lethal Chef: ...because of lack of skill.
 * One-Note Cook: ...except for one dish, at which they excel.

Corrupt Church vs. Path of Inspiration vs. Religion of Evil:

 * Corrupt Church: Started good, turned evil inside.
 * Path of Inspiration: Started evil; good on the outside, evil on the inside.
 * Religion of Evil: Evil. Just Evil.

Cosmic Horror Story vs. Eldritch Abomination vs. Lovecraft Lite

 * Cosmic Horror Story: The genre where we'll all eventually get eaten by monsters from beyond comprehension.
 * Eldritch Abomination: The creatures that do the eating.
 * Lovecraft Lite: The genre where the monsters from beyond all comprehension get killed and we don't get eaten.

Cowboy Bebop at His Computer vs. I Am Not Shazam vs. Gannon Banned:

 * Cowboy Bebop at His Computer: The news gets it wrong.
 * I Am Not Shazam: Casual fans and nonfans mistakenly think the title of the story is also the main characters name.
 * Gannon Banned: Fans react poorly to mistakes, genuine and otherwise.

Creator Backlash vs. Old Shame:

 * A creator hates one of their works...
 * Old Shame: ...because it sucks.
 * Creator Backlash: ...even if others like it.

Critical Research Failure vs. Dan Browned vs. Did Not Do the Research::

 * Critical Research Failure: Anybody who knows anything about the subject knows that bit is wrong.
 * Dan Browned: The author or the advertising said it's true. It's not.
 * Did Not Do the Research: If the author had done even the slightest research, he wouldn't have made that mistake.

Crossover vs. Intercontinuity Crossover vs. Massive Multiplayer Crossover vs. Mega Crossover vs. Fusion Fic:

 * Crossover: Characters from different stories, but the same universe, meet.
 * Intercontinuity Crossover: Characters from two different universes meet.
 * Massive Multiplayer Crossover: Characters from three or more different universes officially meet.
 * Mega Crossover: Characters from three or more different universes unofficially meet.
 * Fusion Fic: We replaced story A's characters with characters from X, let's see what happens...

Curb Stomp Battle vs. No-Holds-Barred Beatdown vs. One Hit KO

 * The fight is completely one-sided and ends with...
 * Curb Stomp Battle: ...the villain decisively defeated.
 * No-Holds-Barred Beatdown: ...the hero beaten to a pulp.
 * One Hit KO: ...the first blow.

Curious as a Monkey vs. Constantly Curious

 * A child learns about the world around him by...
 * Curious as a Monkey: Taking things apart.
 * Constantly Curious: Constant questions.

Cute and Psycho vs. Sugar and Ice Personality vs. Tsundere vs. Yandere

 * Acts A but has a B side.
 * Sugar and Ice Personality: Cold / sweet.
 * Tsundere:
 * Type A: Testy / sweet.
 * Type B: Sweet / testy.
 * Yandere: Sweet / crazy (for love).
 * Cute and Psycho: Sweet / crazy.

Cute as a Bouncing Betty vs. I Call It Vera

 * Cute as a Bouncing Betty: Cute/funny nicknames for military gear and weapons.
 * I Call It Vera: Loving your weapon enough to name it.

Dead Person Conversation vs. Mummies At the Dinner Table vs. Of Corpse He's Alive vs. Talking to the Dead

 * He's not really dead as long as...
 * Dead Person Conversation: ...he talks to us from the afterlife.
 * Mummies At the Dinner Table: ...I say he's just resting.
 * Of Corpse He's Alive: ...I don't get caught pulling the strings.
 * Talking to the Dead: ... I talk to him, even if he's not there to listen.

Death By Genre Savvy vs. Dangerously Genre Savvy:

 * A character is Genre Savvy. This poses a problem for:
 * Death By Genre Savvy: Himself.
 * Dangerously Genre Savvy: His enemies.

Deathbringer the Adorable vs. Fluffy the Terrible:

 * Deathbringer the Adorable: Scary name but harmless.
 * Fluffy the Terrible: Cute name but dangerous.

Defictionalization vs. The Red Stapler vs. Product Placement:

 * A product appears in a work of fiction that is:
 * Defictionalization: Fictional, but due to fan demand, it later becomes a real product.
 * The Red Stapler: Real and receives an unexpected boost in sales/popularity due to appearance on-screen.
 * Product Placement: Real and is intentionally featured in the hopes it will boost sales/popularity.

Demonic Spiders vs. Goddamned Bats:

 * Annoying, hard-to-kill/avoid video game monsters that are:
 * Demonic Spiders: Deadly.
 * Goddamned Bats: Not deadly.

Department of Redundancy Department vs. Shaped Like Itself:

 * Shaped Like Itself: Explanatory statement that is at the same time a description.
 * Department of Redundancy Department: A description that is repetitive, possibly humorous, repetitive, and repetitive.

The Determinator vs. Implacable Man:

 * Alice keeps chasing Bob...
 * Implacable Man: ...because she's an indestructible robot following her programming.
 * The Determinator: ...despite hunger, dehydration, and a broken arm, because she's pissed.

Deus Ex Nukina vs. Nuclear Option vs. Nuclear Weapons Taboo vs. Nuke'Em vs. You Nuke'Em

 * Nukes are...
 * Deus Ex Nukina: Used in unrealistic ways to crank up the drama.
 * Nuclear Option: Used as an absolute last resort when all else has failed.
 * Nuclear Weapons Taboo: Substituted with a weapon that's just as destructive.
 * Nuke'Em: Used frequently, recklesly and exclusively to almost anything else.
 * You Nuke'Em: Used whenever the player in a video game feels like using them.

Die for Our Ship vs. Ship-to-Ship Combat:

 * Shipper fights for their OTP...
 * Die for Our Ship: by destroying characters in the way.
 * Ship-to-Ship Combat: by destroying other fans in the way.

Diesel Punk vs. Raygun Gothic:

 * Raygun Gothic is how sci-fi artists of the 20's through the 50's imagined the future would look.
 * Diesel Punk is how sci-fi authors of today imagine the 20's through the 50's could have gone if our grandparents had more Applied Phlebotinum.

Discontinuity vs. Canon Discontinuity vs. Fanon Discontinuity vs. Dork Age vs. Retcon

 * Something happened in a show, but...
 * Discontinuity: someone not in-universe denies that it happened.
 * Canon Discontinuity: Word of God says it didn't happen.
 * Fanon Discontinuity: The fans pretend it didn't happen.
 * Dork Age: We don't like to talk about that.
 * Retcon: It was changed so that it happened differently.

Discredited Trope vs. Dead Horse Trope vs. Forgotten Trope vs. Undead Horse Trope vs. Dead Unicorn Trope

 * Discredited Trope: That trope is hardly played straight anymore.
 * Dead Horse Trope: A trope is never played straight anymore.
 * Forgotten Trope: A trope isn't even heard of anymore.
 * Undead Horse Trope: A trope that refuses to die.
 * Dead Unicorn Trope: A trope never was played straight to begin with.

Disney Death vs. He's Just Hiding vs. Never Say "Die":

 * Disney Death: You think he's dead, but he's not.
 * He's Just Hiding: You assume he isn't dead.
 * Never Say "Die": No one really dies.

Disposable Vagrant vs. Kill the Poor:

 * Killing poor people because...
 * Disposable Vagrant: ...no one would notice them being gone.
 * Kill the Poor: ...they're poor.

Don't Make Me Take My Belt Off vs Spank the Cutie:

 * Spanking done...


 * Don't Make Me Take My Belt Off: mostly on boys and for drama; implements are necessary.
 * Spank the Cutie: mostly on girls and for comedy or erotic purposes; implements are rarely used.

Dolled-Up Installment vs. In Name Only:

 * Something in an existing franchise...
 * Dolled-Up Installment: began unrelated, was changed to fit in.
 * In Name Only: began related, but then they changed everything.

Do Wrong Right vs Even Evil Has Standards vs Pragmatic Villainy

 * The Dragon won't gun down these unarmed civilians when given the order...
 * Do Wrong Right: ...because he has to reload first.
 * Even Evil Has Standards: ...because it's wrong.
 * Pragmatic Villainy: ...because he can use hostages.

Dumb Is Good vs Good Is Dumb

 * A good person is stupid, or at least more stupid than he used to be. Which came first?
 * Dumb Is Good: The stupidity.
 * Good Is Dumb: The goodness.

Earthshattering Kaboom vs. The End of the World as We Know It:

 * The world is destroyed...
 * Earthshattering Kaboom: ...literally.
 * The End of the World as We Know It: ...metaphorically.

Easily Forgiven vs. "Get Out of Jail Free" Card vs. Karma Houdini :

 * Easily Forgiven: We forgive you.
 * "Get Out of Jail Free" Card: We forgive you because...HandWave.
 * Karma Houdini: Karma forgives you.

Plot Tailored to the Party vs. This Looks Like a Job For Aquaman:

 * The task can only be solved by...
 * Plot Tailored to the Party: ...everyone pooling their individual abilities.
 * This Looks Like a Job For Aquaman: ...Captain Useless!

Endless Game vs. Game Over vs. Unwinnable:

 * Oops! You lose!:
 * Endless Game: The game was only about Scoring Points, how many did you get?
 * Game Over: You ran out of lives/whatever and can't continue playing.
 * Unwinnable: And you may not know you lost for a while, since you can keep playing...

End of an Age vs. Gotterdammerung vs. Here There Were Dragons vs. The Magic Goes Away:

 * An age gives way to another, and the story...
 * End of an Age: ...describes the feeling of loss.
 * Gotterdammerung: ...describes the violent upheaval that ended the reign of the old gods.
 * Here There Were Dragons: ...contrasts the magical past with the mundane present.
 * The Magic Goes Away: ...gives an account of what caused the end of the old age.

Enemy Without vs. Literal Split Personality:

 * Enemy Without: Copy derived from original.
 * Literal Split Personality: Original split into two identical parts.

Epileptic Trees vs. Everyone Is Jesus in Purgatory vs. Wild Mass Guessing:

 * Epileptic Trees: Speculating on what happened or will happen.
 * Everyone Is Jesus in Purgatory: Speculating on what it means or represents.
 * Wild Mass Guessing: Where Tropers can share both.

Erection Rejection vs. Fan Disservice vs. Fetish Retardant:

 * Fetish Retardant: You fail at sexy.
 * Fan Disservice: You win at unsexy.
 * Erection Rejection: You fail at sexy...and sexy was all you had.

Evil Twin vs. Evil Counterpart vs. Evil Knockoff vs. Criminal Doppelganger:

 * Evil Twin: Evil identical twin.
 * Evil Counterpart: Evil version of the hero.
 * Evil Knockoff: Evil copy of a hero, working for the villain.
 * Criminal Doppelganger: Evil Identical Stranger.

Example as a Thesis vs. Self-Demonstrating Article

 * Example as a Thesis: See Alice and Bob. See Alice and Bob demonstrate an example of the trope. See actual definition following behind them.
 * Self-Demonstrating Article: Somebody forgot their punctuation marks when describing No Punctuation Period.

Expository Hairstyle Change vs. Important Haircut vs. Good Hair, Evil Hair:

 * A personality change is indicated by...
 * Expository Hairstyle Change: ...a change in hairstyle.
 * Important Haircut: ...the act of cutting the hair.
 * Good Hair, Evil Hair: the change is specifically a Heel Face Turn or Face Heel Turn.

Expospeak Gag vs. Layman's Terms:

 * Expospeak Gag: simple concept made complex.
 * Layman's Terms: complex concept made simple.

Face of the Band vs. I Am the Band:

 * Face of the Band: Bob is the only member of The Tropes that most people can name.
 * I Am the Band: Of course, Bob does write and sing all the songs and plays lead guitar.

Fake Ultimate Hero vs. Miles Gloriosus:

 * Fake Ultimate Hero: They think he did hero stuff, but he didn't...
 * Miles Gloriosus: ...because he's a bravado-filled coward.

Family Versus Career vs. Never a Self-Made Woman

 * Family Versus Career: A woman should choose the career.
 * Never a Self-Made Woman: Her husband is more interesting anyway.

Fan Dumb vs. Broken Base vs. They Changed It, Now It Sucks vs. Unpleasable Fanbase:

 * Fan Dumb: Annoying fans.
 * Broken Base: Annoying fans who can't agree with each other.
 * They Changed It, Now It Sucks: Annoying fans who don't like change.
 * Unpleasable Fanbase: Annoying fans who can't be pleased.

Fantastic Aesop vs. Space Whale Aesop:

 * Fantastic Aesop: Don't do this thing, even though you can't do it anyway.
 * Space Whale Aesop: Don't do this thing, or something that can't happen will happen.

Fantastic Drug vs. G-Rated Drug vs. I Can't Believe It's Not Heroin!:

 * The "drug" that a character is addicted to is...
 * Fantastic Drug: not even a real substance.
 * G-Rated Drug: a comparatively mild drug.
 * I Can't Believe It's Not Heroin!: real, but not a drug.

Fate Worse Than Death vs. And I Must Scream

 * Fate Worse Than Death: The Fate itself.
 * And I Must Scream: The Fate itself...without end.

Filler vs. Padding vs. Wacky Wayside Tribe:

 * Filler: Additional side stories unimportant to the main plot arc.
 * Padding: Additional material added to the main plot to stretch the length.
 * Wacky Wayside Tribe: Additional obstacles added to the main plot to give the characters a hard time.

The Film of the Book vs. The Movie:

 * The Film of the Book: Book: The Movie.
 * The Movie: TV Show: The Movie.

The Film of the Series vs. The Movie vs. Non-Serial Movie:

 * The Film of the Series: Different cast.
 * The Movie: Same cast, in continuity.
 * Non-Serial Movie: Same cast, not in continuity.

Five-Bad Band vs. The Psycho Rangers vs. Quirky Miniboss Squad:

 * An evil team consisting of...
 * Five-Bad Band: ...villains with specific complementary roles.
 * The Psycho Rangers: ...Evil Counterparts to the heroes.
 * Quirky Miniboss Squad: ...skilled individuals.

Forgotten Phlebotinum vs. Plot Induced Stupidity vs. Holding Back the Phlebotinum vs. It Only Works Once

 * A gimmick could have been reused...
 * Forgotten Phlebotinum: ...but they forgot to.
 * Plot Induced Stupidity: as above, but with a character's ability.
 * Holding Back the Phlebotinum: ...but it won't work now.
 * It Only Works Once: ...but it's used up.

For Halloween I Am Going as Myself vs. Your Costume Needs Work:

 * Goliath is going to a Halloween party...
 * For Halloween I Am Going as Myself: ...because it's the only time of year he can be seen in public.
 * Your Costume Needs Work: ...and people tell him his wings look fake.

Foreign Cuss Word vs. Unusual Euphemism vs. Pardon My Klingon

 * Profanity is replaced by...
 * Foreign Cuss Word: the same word in a different language.
 * Unusual Euphemism: a made-up "slang" phrase.
 * Pardon My Klingon: A Foreign Cuss Word  FROM SPACE! 

Fragile Speedster vs. Glass Cannon vs. Squishy Wizard Vs. The Medic:

 * Can't take a punch, but...
 * Fragile Speedster: is very hard to hit.
 * Glass Cannon: sure can deal it out.
 * Squishy Wizard: can do cool stuff with magic.
 * The Medic: Can heal the guys who can.

Freaky Friday Flip vs. Personality Swap

 * Due to some weird event, Alice and Carol discover that they have swapped...
 * Personality Swap: personality traits (Alice is still Alice, but reacts like Carol would).
 * Freaky Friday Flip: minds/souls (Alice is completely in Carol's body).

Fridge Brilliance vs. Fridge Horror vs. Fridge Logic:

 * When you think about a certain aspect of a show you just watched, you realize...
 * Fridge Brilliance: ... just how clever it actually was.
 * Fridge Horror: ... just how horrible it would be.
 * Fridge Logic: ... it made no sense whatsoever.

Funny Aneurysm Moment vs. Hilarious in Hindsight vs. Harsher in Hindsight vs. Narm:

 * Funny Aneurysm Moment: Supposed to be funny, but some later event makes it not so funny.
 * Hilarious in Hindsight: Later event makes it funnier than originally intended (if it was even meant to be funny at all).
 * Harsher in Hindsight: Supposed to be serious, and some later event makes it even more serious.
 * Narm: Supposed to be serious, but the audience sees it as funny.

Funny Animal vs Petting Zoo People vs Little Bit Beastly

 * All three could be swapped out for humans without changing the surrounding plot too much. What do they actually look like?
 * Funny Animal: Animal-shaped body + bipedal stance.
 * Petting Zoo People: Human-shaped body + animal's head + tail.
 * Little Bit Beastly: Human-shaped body + human face + Unusual Ears + tail.

Genocide Backfire vs. Nice Job Breaking It, Herod:

 * To eliminate a threat, the Big Bad...
 * Genocide Backfire: ...targets everyone...
 * Nice Job Breaking It, Herod: ...targets the person destined to be a threat...
 * ...and frequently, as a result, causes them to become a real threat.

Genre Savvy vs. Dangerously Genre Savvy vs. Medium Awareness:

 * Genre Savvy: Aware of storytelling conventions.
 * Dangerously Genre Savvy: Uses storytelling conventions to their advantage.
 * Medium Awareness: Aware of Paratext and lampshades it. May break Fourth Wall.

Giftedly Bad vs. High Hopes, Zero Talent vs. I Coulda Been a Contender vs. Sorry, Billy, But You Just Don't Have Legs

 * A character cannot achieve his life's ambition because of:
 * High Hopes, Zero Talent: Utter, nigh-incurable incompetence
 * Giftedly Bad: But that incompetence comes out the other side as So Bad It's Good.
 * I Coulda Been a Contender: Circumstances kept him from getting his big break.
 * Sorry, Billy, But You Just Don't Have Legs: A physical handicap.

Gone Horribly Wrong vs. Gone Horribly Right

 * Bad things happen because the project...
 * Gone Horribly Wrong: goes awry.
 * Gone Horribly Right: works too well.

The Good Guys Always Win vs. Invincible Hero

 * The good guy wins...
 * The Good Guys Always Win: at the end.
 * Invincible Hero: in every conflict.

Guy in Back vs. Wing Man

 * The guy who provides support for the hero...
 * Guy in Back: in the same plane.
 * Wing Man: by flying a different plane

Guy-On-Guy Is Hot vs. Yaoi Fangirl

 * She thinks two guys making out is hot...
 * Guy-On-Guy Is Hot: Because she's red-blooded and female.
 * Yaoi Fangirl: Because she's a pervert with strange tastes.

Hand Cannon vs. BFG:

 * Hand Cannon: A handgun so large and powerful it's ridiculous.
 * BFG: Any other gun that's so large and powerful it's ridiculous.

Hand or Object Underwear vs. Scenery Censor:

 * A naked person...
 * Hand or Object Underwear: Willfully covers themselves up with something.
 * Scenery Censor: Just happens to have something between them and the audience.

Hand Wave vs. Justified Trope vs. Lampshade Hanging vs. Voodoo Shark:

 * Hand Wave: Flimsy explanation of the trope.
 * Justified Trope: Logical explanation of the trope.
 * Lampshade Hanging: Point at the trope, but don't explain.
 * Voodoo Shark: Explanation of the trope that makes things worse.

Have a Nice Death vs. It's a Wonderful Failure vs. Nonstandard Game Over vs. Fission Mailed:

 * Your game ends...
 * Have a Nice Death: and the game mocks you for your failure.
 * It's a Wonderful Failure: and the game forces you to sit through a drawn-out Downer Ending.
 * Nonstandard Game Over: suddenly, in an unusual way.
 * Fission Mailed: ...NOT! Made you look!

Heroic BSOD vs. Heroic RROD vs. Superpower Meltdown:

 * Heroic BSOD: Traumatic experience makes you go catatonic.
 * Heroic RROD: Overusing your powers makes you go BOOM.
 * Superpower Meltdown: Overusing your powers makes the whole place go BOOM.

Heroic Fantasy vs. High Fantasy vs. Low Fantasy vs. Standard Fantasy Setting::

 * A Standard Fantasy Setting story about...
 * Heroic Fantasy: ...the adventures of an epic hero.
 * High Fantasy: ...the struggle against an epic Big Bad.
 * Low Fantasy: ...something else.

Heterosexual Life Partners vs. Ho Yay vs. Odd Couple:

 * Heterosexual Life Partners: Same sex friends who act like a couple.
 * Ho Yay: Homosexual subtext.
 * Odd Couple: Friends with opposite personalities.

Ho Yay vs. Homoerotic Subtext

 * Ho Yay: The fans notice homoerotic subtext.
 * Homoerotic Subtext: The Ho Yay was intended by the writers.

Homage vs. Shout-Out:

 * Homage: Extended reference.
 * Shout-Out: Quick nod.
 * Call Back: Work references itself.

Honor Before Reason vs. Lawful Stupid:

 * It's not exactly the smart thing to do, but...
 * Honor Before Reason: it's the right thing to do.
 * Lawful Stupid: the rules say we do it.

Hyper Awareness vs. Sherlock Scan:

 * Hyper Awareness: Capable of observing minor details to everything around you.
 * Sherlock Scan: Observes minor details to make accurate assumptions.

Hypocrite vs. Straw Hypocrite:

 * Hypocrite: Often/Always fails to practice what they preach even if they believe in it in principle.
 * Straw Hypocrite: Doesn't even believe in what it is that they preach about.

Idiot Ball vs. Idiot Plot vs. Plot Induced Stupidity:

 * Stupidity for plot's sake...
 * Idiot Ball: by one character.
 * Idiot Plot: by many characters.
 * Plot Induced Stupidity: because otherwise the plot would end.

Ignore the Fanservice vs. Not Distracted by the Sexy

 * Ignore the Fanservice: The character is indifferent to a display of sexiness.
 * Not Distracted by the Sexy: No one notices the character's Stripperiffic outfit.

Immortality vs. Made of Iron vs. Nigh Invulnerability:

 * Immortality: Not dying.
 * The character shakes off damage that would kill an ordinary human...
 * Made of Iron: ...because of Rule of Cool and/or Charles Atlas Superpower.
 * Nigh Invulnerability: ...because they're no ordinary human.

Incredibly Lame Pun vs. Just for Pun vs. Stealth Pun

 * A really bad pun is made...
 * Incredibly Lame Pun: ...and pointed out as such in the work.
 * Just for Pun: ...by a Troper trying to be funny.
 * Stealth Pun: ...hopefully you'll notice it. It might take a while.

Index Syndrome vs. Medical Tropes:

 * Index Syndrome: Sound like medical conditions.
 * Medical Tropes: Actually are medical conditions.

Insufferable Genius vs. Too Clever by Half:

 * Insufferable Genius: Smart and annoying.
 * Too Clever by Half: Smart and annoying and they want to prove it.

Instrument of Murder vs. Musical Assassin vs. Senseless Violins:

 * The weapon...
 * Instrument of Murder: ...looks like a musical instrument.
 * Musical Assassin: ...is a musical instrument.
 * Senseless Violins: ...is in the instrument case.

Insult Backfire vs. Stealth Insult

 * The target of the insult...
 * Insult Backfire: ...gets it and considers it a compliment.
 * Stealth Insult: ...doesn't get it.

Internet Backdraft vs. Flame Bait

 * Don't bring these up...
 * Internet Backdraft: ...or feel the fiery wrath.
 * Flame Bait: ...on our wiki.

Intoxication Ensues vs. Mushroom Samba:

 * Drugs cause...
 * Intoxication Ensues: strange behavior.
 * Mushroom Samba: wild hallucinations, with logical reactions.

Invisibility vs Invisible Main Character:

 * Invisibility: Invisibility as a reoccuring superpower.
 * Invisible Main Character: Invisibility as a one shot situation.

Ironic Echo vs. Meaningful Echo

 * Ironic Echo: Repeated for irony.
 * Meaningful Echo: Repeated without irony.

I Want My Jetpack vs. Magic Floppy Disk vs. Science Marches On vs. Tech Marches On vs. Our Graphics Will Suck in the Future vs. Zeerust vs. Zeerust Canon:

 * A futurism failure...
 * I Want My Jetpack: ...is noted by a character.
 * Magic Floppy Disk: ...is made by this work.
 * Science Marches On: ...is due to contemporary science becoming obsolete.
 * Tech Marches On: ...is due to contemporary technology becoming obsolete.
 * Our Graphics Will Suck in the Future: specifically, computer graphics technology.
 * Zeerust: ...looks dated today.
 * Zeerust Canon: ...still looks awesome, let's keep using it.

I Will Fight Some More Forever vs. Attack! Attack! Attack!

 * "Stop fighting! You can't..."
 * I Will Fight Some More Forever: Win.
 * Attack! Attack! Attack!: Survive.

Jumping the Shark vs. Ruined FOREVER:

 * Jumping the Shark: Fans realize that moment five seasons ago was when a show started to suck.
 * Ruined FOREVER: Fans claim that moment five minutes ago is when a show starts to suck.

Junk Rare vs. Promotional Powerless Piece of Garbage:

 * How did you get your piece of crap?
 * Junk Rare: At random.
 * Promotional Powerless Piece of Garbage: As a special promotion.

Justified Trope vs. Truth in Television:

 * Justified Trope: Trope with a Real Life explanation/justification.
 * Truth in Television: Trope happens in Real Life.

Kawaii vs. Moe:

 * Kawaii: Generic cuteness.
 * Moe: Specific targeted cuteness.

Kick the Dog vs. Poke the Poodle vs. Jumping Off the Slippery Slope vs. Moral Event Horizon:

 * Kick the Dog: Evil for evil's sake, to remind you they're evil.
 * Poke the Poodle: Wimpy attempted Kick the Dog.
 * Jumping Off the Slippery Slope: Went too far down Knight Templar street.
 * Moral Event Horizon: Something so bad, the audience now wants you dead.

Kill'Em All vs. Rocks Fall, Everyone Dies:

 * An abnormally high body count is racked up:
 * Kill'Em All: ...over the course of a series.
 * Rocks Fall, Everyone Dies: ...by the GM.

Kill It with Fire vs. Playing with Fire:

 * Kill It with Fire: Fire can take care of any adversary.
 * Playing with Fire: Fire as a superpower.

Knight Templar vs The Knights Templar vs Well-Intentioned Extremist:

 * Knight Templar: A villain who starts as a good guy and goes too far.
 * The Knights Templar: Real Life Crusades-era religious order.
 * Well-Intentioned Extremist: A villain who starts as a villain but has a good motive.

Leeroy Jenkins vs. Spanner in the Works vs. Unwitting Instigator of Doom:

 * Bob ruins...
 * Spanner in the Works: the Big Bad's plan.
 * Unwitting Instigator of Doom: the protagonists' plan.
 * Leeroy Jenkins: everything by charging in too early.

Living MacGuffin vs. MacGuffin Girl

 * Why is the girl so important?
 * Living MacGuffin: They know/possess something of value or are someone generally important
 * MacGuffin Girl: They literally were a MacGuffin, before Humanity Ensues.

Making Use of the Twin vs. Twin Switch

 * One twin stands in for another...
 * Twin Switch: in the show.
 * Making Use of the Twin: in the production of the show.

Mary Sue vs. most of the subtypes

 * Mary Sue: Fan fic character (generally) who is blatant Wish Fulfillment for the author. Super-Trope for the following:
 * Anti-Sue: Ugly and/or nasty but still a Sue in the plot.
 * Black Hole Sue: The entire plot is caught in his/her event horizon.
 * Canon Sue: Exactly What It Says on the Tin; can be any type of Sue.
 * Copy Cat Sue: Specially-tailored ripoff of a canon character.
 * Fixer Sue: Exists to patch up the plot, whether it's needed or not.
 * God Mode Sue: Overpowered in the extreme.
 * Jerk Sue: Thoroughly nasty to others but always loved by everyone.
 * Marty Stu: Mary Sue's Spear Counterpart.
 * Mary Sue Classic: Perfection in everything, and loved by everyone; often a Purity Sue. The archetypal Sue character.
 * Mary Tzu: An unrealistically successful schemer.
 * Parody Sue: Deliberately mocks the trope.
 * Possession Sue: Canon character rewritten to fit the author's ideal.
 * Purity Sue: A blinding beacon of pureness and positivity.
 * Relationship Sue: Exists to create a romance with another character.
 * Sympathetic Sue: Unrealistically angsty and draws sympathy from everyone.
 * Thirty-Sue Pileup: Many Sues in one plot.
 * Villain Sue: Unrealistically over-the-top villainy.

Meanwhile in the Future vs. Portal to the Past vs. San Dimas Time

 * If you want to be back within an hour, you can't spend more than 59 min in the past/future.
 * Portal to the Past: Justified, the portal can only take you exactly X years forwards/backwards from the moment you step through.
 * San Dimas Time: Technically wrong, but the characters never realize it.
 * Meanwhile in the Future: The same idea applied to the narrative, rather than to the characters.

Mighty Whitey vs. White Man's Burden

 * A white hero encounters a group of minorities....
 * Mighty Whitey: The hero joins the tribe and quickly learns to be better than them at everything.
 * White Man's Burden: The hero sees how pitiful their lives are, then works to make things better for them.

Moral Dissonance vs. What the Hell, Hero? vs. Values Dissonance:

 * The Hero is a jerk...
 * Moral Dissonance: ...but only the audience notices.
 * What the Hell, Hero?: ...and other characters notice.
 * Values Dissonance: ...but not in his own culture.

Morality Chain vs. Morality Pet:

 * A Jerkass or Blood Knight has someone special to them that...
 * Morality Chain: ...keeps them from becoming a Complete Monster.
 * Morality Pet: ...makes them slightly likeable.

Morph Weapon vs. Shapeshifter Weapon:

 * Morph Weapon: The weapon can shift shapes.
 * Shapeshifter Weapon: The shapeshifter can form their own weapons.

My Nayme Is vs. Spell My Name with an "S":

 * Character's name is spelled unusually...
 * My Nayme Is: on purpose.
 * Spell My Name with an "S": because it was translated from a foreign language.

Narrow Parody vs. Shallow Parody:

 * Narrow Parody: Parody of really recent things.
 * Shallow Parody: Superficial parody without real understanding.

Nazis With Gnarly Weapons vs. Stupid Jetpack Hitler vs. Ghostapo

 * Those Wacky Nazis are armed with:
 * Nazis With Gnarly Weapons: Historically accurate weapons
 * Stupid Jetpack Hitler: Ray-guns
 * Ghostapo: Supernatural powers

Negative Continuity vs. Status Quo Is God:

 * Negative Continuity: Ignore changes to the status quo, everything snaps back next episode.
 * Status Quo Is God: Avoid changing the status quo.

Never Grew Up vs. Not Growing Up Sucks vs. Not Allowed to Grow Up

 * Never Grew Up: Chooses not to age
 * Not Growing Up Sucks: Cursed not to age
 * Not Allowed to Grow Up: Doesn't age because the writers don't want them to.

Nietzsche Wannabe vs. Ubermensch:

 * Nietzsche Wannabe: "Life is meaningless. We're all going to rot, so why not just end it now?"
 * Ubermensch: "I am beyond your petty morality. I seek a higher purpose."

No One Could Survive That vs. Not Quite Dead vs. Staying Alive:

 * No One Could Survive That: Assumed dead without proof.
 * Not Quite Dead: Turns out not to have died.
 * Staying Alive: Definitely did die, but now they're back.

The Nth Doctor vs. The Other Darrin vs. Suspiciously Similar Substitute vs. Replacement Scrappy:

 * The Other Darrin: Same character, new actor, ignored in-universe.
 * The Nth Doctor: Same character, new actor, explained in-universe.
 * Suspiciously Similar Substitute: New character, same role/characterizations.
 * Replacement Scrappy: New character sucks because he's new.

One Mario Limit vs. One Steve Limit:

 * No two characters have the same first name...
 * One Steve Limit: for convenience.
 * One Mario Limit: because one is too famous.

One-Winged Angel vs. Sequential Boss vs. Turns Red:

 * Just when you thought you were winning a Boss Battle, the boss...
 * Sequential Boss: ...changes form. Begin Round Two!
 * One-Winged Angel: Ditto, into a godlike form.
 * Turns Red: ...becomes more dangerous.

Only Idiots May Pass vs. Stupidity Is the Only Option vs. Violation of Common Sense:

 * Stupidity is required...
 * Only Idiots May Pass: by the player.
 * Stupidity Is the Only Option: by character, punishments ensue.
 * Violation of Common Sense: by character, rewards ensue.

Pacifist Run vs. Stealth Run:

 * You completed a game without killing enemies...
 * Pacifist Run: because you only used Non Lethal KOs.
 * Stealth Run: because enemies didn't notice you.

Palette Swap vs. Underground Monkey

 * Making a new video game character by:
 * Palette Swap: Changing another character's color scheme.
 * Underground Monkey: Tweaking another character's name/stats/appearance.

Platonic Life Partners vs. Like Brother and Sister vs. Better as Friends vs. Just Friends

 * Two characters are very close friends who...
 * Platonic Life Partners: Have never dated or put serious thought to doing so.
 * Like Brother and Sister: ...Because that would just feel weird.
 * Better as Friends: Have dated in the past, but liked things better as friends.
 * Just Friends: Haven't dated, but will.

The Power of Cheese vs. Too Incompetent to Operate a Blanket

 * The Power of Cheese: The people in the ad will do stupid things because the product is just that good.
 * Too Incompetent to Operate a Blanket: The people in the ad need the product because they are too incompetent to operate a normal, simple tool.

Pre-Ass-Kicking One-Liner vs. Pre-Mortem One-Liner vs. Bond One-Liner vs. Quip to Black:

 * Pre-Ass-Kicking One-Liner: "I'm gonna kick your ass."
 * Pre-Mortem One-Liner: "I'm kicking your ass."
 * Bond One-Liner: "I kicked your ass."
 * Quip to Black: "Looks like this man... got his ass kicked." (Commercial break)

Psycho Supporter vs. Yandere:

 * Psycho Supporter: Crazy makes you love (or at least follow).
 * Yandere: Love makes you crazy.

Psychotic Smirk vs. Slasher Smile:

 * Psychotic Smirk: Small, no teeth, sign of arrogance
 * Slasher Smile: Big, shows teeth, sign of insanity / malice

Puppy Love vs. Toy Ship:

 * Two prepubescent characters are a couple...
 * Puppy Love: In Canon
 * Toy Ship: In Fanon

The Quiet One vs. The Voiceless vs. The Speechless vs. Silent Bob:

 * The Quiet One: Rarely talks.
 * The Voiceless: Talks offscreen, never onscreen.
 * The Speechless: Never talks.
 * Silent Bob: Never talks, but everyone understands what he's not saying.

Reset Button vs. Snap Back:

 * Everything is back to normal...
 * Reset Button: By the end of the episode.
 * Snap Back: By the next episode.

Ret-Gone vs. Unperson:

 * Someone's existence is erased...
 * Ret-Gone: ...from history itself.
 * Unperson: ...from the history books.

Romantic Two-Girl Friendship vs. Schoolgirl Lesbians:

 * Two girls are close.
 * Romantic Two-Girl Friendship: Not actually romantic.
 * Schoolgirl Lesbians: Romantic.

Rousing Speech vs. He's Back vs. Heroic Resolve vs. Shut UP, Hannibal vs. World of Cardboard Speech:

 * Rousing Speech: "Come on everyone, lets go kick some ass!"
 * He's Back: "I'm back, now lets go kick some ass!"
 * Heroic Resolve: "I can't give up, I must kick some ass!"
 * Shut UP, Hannibal: "Shut up villain! I'll kick your ass!"
 * World of Cardboard Speech: "Here's why I'm going to kick your ass."

Schmuck Bait vs. Press X to Die:

 * You're playing a video game and an Obvious Trap is sprung.
 * Schmuck Bait: "My god, you are an idiot!"
 * Press X to Die: "My god, I am an idiot!"

Sergeant Rock vs. The Neidermeyer vs. Drill Sergeant Nasty

 * A man in charge is tough with his men.
 * Sergeant Rock: He's a respected, competent leader.
 * The Neidermeyer: He's a hated, incompetent fool.
 * Drill Sergeant Nasty: He's widely hated but does a great job of training his men.

Senseless Sacrifice vs. Stupid Sacrifice:

 * Senseless Sacrifice: Sacrifice turns out to be in vain.
 * Stupid Sacrifice: Heroic Sacrifice that wasn't the only option.

Shaggy Dog Story vs. Shoot the Shaggy Dog

 * The characters set out on an adventure, and...
 * Shaggy Dog Story: Accomplish nothing.
 * Shoot the Shaggy Dog: Accomplish less than nothing and die.

Sorting Algorithm of Evil vs. Sorting Algorithm of Villain Threat:

 * The longer a series goes on, the more _____ the villains get.
 * Sorting Algorithm of Evil: Competent
 * Sorting Algorithm of Villain Threat: Ambitious

Sorting Algorithm of Mortality vs. Sorting Algorithm of Deadness:

 * Charts explaining:
 * Sorting Algorithm of Mortality: Chance of dying.
 * Sorting Algorithm of Deadness: Chance of staying dead.

Staged Shooting vs Bait and Switch Gunshot

 * A person gets shot...
 * Staged Shooting: ...but the whole thing was a setup, and the person was probably part of it all along.
 * Bait and Switch Gunshot: ...but they're someone other than the person with a gun pointed at them.

Stalked by the Bell vs. Timed Mission:

 * What happens when the timer expires?
 * Timed Mission: instant Game Over, man.
 * Stalked by the Bell: Something in-game starts harassing/attacking you; finish the level or die trying!

Subverted Kids Show vs. What Do You Mean It's Not for Kids?:

 * Subverted Kids Show: G-rating characters, R- to X-rated show.
 * What Do You Mean It's Not for Kids?: Mistaken for a kid's show because it's in the Animation Age Ghetto.
 * What Do You Mean It's for Kids?: Really is a kid's show, but doesn't look like it.

Sugar and Ice Personality vs. Tin Man

 * Sugar and Ice Personality: So The Spock really does have emotions.
 * Tin Man: Wait! Why did The McCoy just claim he has no emotions?

Suicide Attack vs. Taking You with Me:

 * Alice killed herself and the Big Bad at the same time...
 * Suicide Attack: ...because it was the only way.
 * Taking You with Me: ...because she was going to die anyway.

Tagalong Kid vs. Bratty Half-Pint vs. Kid Appeal Character:

 * The little kid who...
 * Tagalong Kid: follows the team.
 * Bratty Half-Pint: wants to be on the team.
 * Kid Appeal Character: actually is on the team.

That One Puzzle vs. Moon Logic Puzzle vs. Guide Dang It:

 * A videogame puzzle which...
 * That One Puzzle: Is unfairly difficult.
 * Moon Logic Puzzle: Requires Insane Troll Logic to solve.
 * Guide Dang It: Can't be solved... unless you bought the Strategy Guide.

Tomboy vs. Bokukko vs. Shorttank vs. The Ladette:

 * Tomboy: Super-Trope, girl who acts like a boy.
 * Bokukko: Uses male language.
 * Shorttank: More boyish than girlish.
 * The Ladette: More boyish than many boys.

Totally Radical vs. Buffy-Speak vs. Jive Turkey

 * The slang...
 * Totally Radical: Sounds fake because it's misused.
 * Buffy-Speak: Sounds real because it is fake.
 * Jive Turkey: Is a character's defining trait.

Training Accident vs. Unwinnable Training Simulation

 * It's a drill, ...
 * Training Accident: ...but something goes horribly wrong.
 * Unwinnable Training Simulation: ...but the cast isn't able to win.

Two Lines, No Waiting vs. Third Line, Some Waiting vs. Four Lines, All Waiting

 * In one work, the plot is formed by...
 * Two Lines, No Waiting: Several interconnected plotlines.
 * Third Line, Some Waiting: Several interconnected plotlines with one that's only significant near the end.
 * Four Lines, All Waiting: Several unconnected, alternating plotlines.

Unexpected Successor vs. You Are in Command Now:

 * Unexpected Successor: Your dad died, now you're king until you die.
 * You Are in Command Now: Your captain died, now you're filling in until the real replacement gets here.

Unwinnable vs. Unwinnable by Design vs. Unwinnable By Mistake vs. Endless Game:

 * Unwinnable: It's impossible to complete the game because...
 * Unwinnable by Design: ...you screwed up earlier, and didn't realize why or how until now.
 * Unwinnable By Mistake: ...the Dev Team screwed up.
 * Endless Game: ...the game just continues forever until you die. How far can you get anyway?

Ur Example vs. Trope Maker vs. Trope Codifier vs. Trope Namer

 * Ur Example: The first example.
 * Trope Maker: The first well-known and deliberate example.
 * Trope Codifier: The example everyone else copies.
 * Trope Namer: Provides the name used here; may or may not be any of the others, or even an example of the trope.

Wasteful Wishing vs. Mundane Wish

 * A character is granted wishes...
 * Wasteful Wishing: And uses them on something stupid.
 * Mundane Wish: And uses them on something common.

Wig, Dress, Accent vs. Clark Kenting vs. Paper-Thin Disguise:

 * Wig, Dress, Accent: Basic physical disguise.
 * Clark Kenting: Disguise to maintain secret identity.
 * Paper-Thin Disguise: The audience can see through it, but the characters can't.

Word of God vs. Flip-Flop of God vs. Shrug of God

 * The answer to the fan's question is...
 * Word of God: Character X.
 * Flip-Flop of God: Character X. No, it's Y. No, wait....
 * Shrug of God: ...forty-two?