Captain Obvious: Meaning of Superhero Name

If you’ve been called “Captain Obvious” more often lately, or you’ve seen the supposed “superhero” in films and television, you’re probably wondering what the character or the designation is all about. We will of course enlighten you in this article about “Captain Obvious” and its obvious characteristics.

“Captain Obvious” is not a superhero as we know it from the DC and Marvel universes, but a sarcastic term for someone who unnecessarily constantly stating the obvious.

What does “Captain Obvious” mean?

The name “Captain Obvious” is made up of the English words “Captain”, which can be translated as “leader”, “commander” or “captain” and “Obvious” – to German “obvious”, “obvious”, “of course”. – together.

The “Captain” is meant as in the comic book as a popular title for a superhero – “Captain America”, “Captain Planet”, “Captain Marvel” … “Captain Obvious”. However, the latter superhero only has the absolutely unnecessary “superpower” of compressing what is clearly visible into words.

The sarcastic term for someone who cannot keep the self-evident to himself is mainly known in this country as a meme or reaction on the internet and in the film and television landscape. For example, “Captain Obvious” appeared on the late-night show Neo Magazine Royale to explain obvious issues. Hotel booking site Hotels.com has used “Captain Obvious” in their advertising, and South Park has also come up with their own spin on the “Captain Obvious” formula with “Captain Hindsight”.

Typical “Captain Obvious” phrases and situations

While stating the obvious is unnecessary in most cases, it can also be rude or irreverent at times. The most typical sentences of a “Captain Obvious” include such phrases as:

• “It’s raining.”
• “It’s already dark.”
• “If I knew how this works, I could help you.”
• “The funeral was really sad.”
• “We have to go back to school on Monday.”
• “You’re always smarter afterwards.”

But also hints like “You’re bleeding” while cleaning your wound with a handkerchief, or “Careful, the hot chocolate is hot!” can be commented with a “Thank you, Captain Obvious”.

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