info-dump
Overwhelming information overload
Info-dump refers to a large quantity of information delivered all at once, often more than the recipient can easily absorb.
The term originated in fiction writing to describe passages where exposition overwhelms narrative: The second chapter is just an info-dump about the kingdom's history.
It now applies broadly to any situation where someone unloads excessive detail without regard for pacing or the listener's capacity: He info-dumped his entire research on me in one email.
Systematic explanatory presentation
- backstoryCharacter's past narrative
- worldbuildingConstructing imaginary universes for fiction
- loreTraditional knowledge transmitted orally
- flashbackInvoluntary past memory
prologue · narration · monologue · aside · voice-over · telling · front-loading · preamble
Written proof or instructions
- specificationsStated requirements and parameters
- manualWritten instructions for use
- jargonSpecialized professional vocabulary
- loreTraditional knowledge transmitted orally
backstory · worldbuilding · exposition · datasheet · whitepaper · handbook · schematic · protocol
Long-winded and unfocused
- long-windedExcessively wordy, tediously so
- monologueUninterrupted solo address
- wordinessExcessive use of language
- prolixityTedious lengthiness in speech
digression · tangential · circumlocution · verbose · padding · filler · bloated · meandering
Sustained, overwhelming attack
- bombardmentSustained projectile assault
- avalancheRapid mountain snow collapse
- delugeSevere overflow of water
- floodOverwhelming water overflow
torrent · inundation · saturation · glut · surfeit · overload · swamping · engulfment
exposition
Systematic explanatory presentation
- backstoryCharacter's past narrative
- worldbuildingConstructing imaginary universes for fiction
- loreTraditional knowledge transmitted orally
flashback · prologue · narration · monologue · aside · voice-over · telling · front-loading · preamble · setup
documentation
Written proof or instructions
- specificationsStated requirements and parameters
- manualWritten instructions for use
- jargonSpecialized professional vocabulary
lore · backstory · worldbuilding · exposition · datasheet · whitepaper · handbook · schematic · protocol · API
rambling
Long-winded and unfocused
- long-windedExcessively wordy, tediously so
- monologueUninterrupted solo address
- wordinessExcessive use of language
prolixity · digression · tangential · circumlocution · verbose · padding · filler · bloated · meandering · droning
barrage
Sustained, overwhelming attack
- bombardmentSustained projectile assault
- avalancheRapid mountain snow collapse
- delugeSevere overflow of water
flood · torrent · inundation · saturation · glut · surfeit · overload · swamping · engulfment · tsunami
info-dumpshow don't tell
Writing principle favoring demonstration
slow burn · drip-feed · breadcrumb trail · subtext · inference
info-dumpwithholding
Keeping from another
reticence · parsimony · underexplaining · restraint · vagueness
info, dump, information, inform, informant, informer, informed, informing, informs