>> 1: Man misunderstands statement
>> due to simple mishearing of one word
May happen, sure..
>> 2: Instead of simply clearing up the
>> misunderstanding, the speaker has a
>> breakdown. This seems a rather irrational
>> response when it surely would be much simpler
>> and easier to just restate the initial statement,
>> with emphasis on the misheard word.
The clearing is Dilberts "Well, I didn't"
>> This would surely clear up the misunderstanding.
It didn't.
>> No need to have a mental breakdown because
>> someone misheard you.
You didn't experience meetings like this, am I right?
If a guy misheard you on a metting like this, in a way like this, the answer should be some heavy arguing about this guys intention. The ladylike answer of Alice would be the "fist of death". But being Dilbert, a nervous breakdown seems to be the right way to (not) handle this