Verbal Precision

The following is a reasonably accurate transcript of an actual conversation that took place at my house recently:

He: This silly management training thing we're doing at work...it tries to put people into one of four boxes based on a few questions. But of course it's not very accurate. I mean, some of the things in my category apply to me, but not all.

She: ?

He: For instance, my category includes "perfectionist," which I'm really not.

She: Well, I don't know, I can sort of see that. You're not a perfectionist in most ways, but you are about some things.

He: ?

She: You're a perfectionist about what words you use--you always want to be absolutely precise.

He (totally oblivious to the implication of what he's about to say): Mmm....yeah, I guess...but..."perfectionist" is not exactly the right word.

She: [collapses in laughter]

He: ?!...oh....