In general English, a figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole (as hand for sailor) or the whole for a part (as the law for police officer). It is cited by Ron Edwards as a frequent conceptual mistake in understanding of the GNS model -- essentially using the three categories to pidgeonhole play, or associating all of role-playing with only one category.

References:

• GNS and Other Matters of Role-playing Theory