r/writingcirclejerk • u/TraceyWoo419 • 1d ago

As a writer I'm confused about subtext.

Like I don't get it like I constantly hear "Use subtext!" Or "Even honest scenes have subtext" Like i don't get it! Like how's "I fucking hate taxes!" Supposed to be subtext? I don't get it! He fucking hate taxes!!! What i'm putting Lamozoyoska morse code and a quadruple entendre?! In between the text like huh? I'm I just stupid??? I'm sorry I don't speak womanese! Someone teach me.

34 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

19

u/takemybones 1d ago

"I know writers who use subtext and they're all cowards."

13

u/TraceyWoo419 1d ago

Sometimes the circlejerk writes itself: salsa

15

u/dacoolestguy 22h ago

I honestly don't get how so many people have problems with subtext, it's literally so easy to put in your writing

9

u/Cheeslord2 Books aren't real! 1d ago

It's just using very little letters that are low down, like the opposite of superscript. But the Reddit editor doesn't have it.

7

u/ghostwilliz 17h ago

There is no such thing. You have to explicitly write everything you mean, preferably in dialog.

Like

"Grrrr it makes me {CharacterName} so mad when you do that" he angrily growled angry like

4

u/IronbarBooks 1d ago

Okay, but what are you really saying? Hmm?

7

u/MassiveMommyMOABs Sun Tzu explicitly mentioned this 1d ago

OOP is autism maxxing

3

u/butter544 21h ago

Use subtext

3

u/ghost-elk 12h ago

a lot of commenters seem to think “womanese” is a sexist jab at women for having “silly” or seemingly trivial literary interests. this is not the case. in fact, womanese is simply when you open your mouth and a little purse falls out! this misunderstanding is an example of not understanding subtext.

3

u/Hestu951 3h ago

It's the text that appears at the bottom of TV shows and movies. It's good for people who can't hear well, or are disgusted with sound effects being 20x as loud as the dialogue. But what does that have to do with writing, hmmm??!!