What does the term pedantic mean?

The term "pedantic" refers to a style of communication or behavior that is overly concerned with formal rules, minute details, or displaying exceptional knowledge, often in a way that comes off as pompous or condescending. Therefore, showing off one's bookish knowledge in a negative manner captures this essence perfectly. Pedantic individuals may focus excessively on trivial points or intricate details that can detract from a broader understanding or meaningful communication, leading others to perceive them as self-important or insistent on their intellectual superiority.

The other choices do not capture the critical connotation that pedantic carries in terms of negativity and intellectual arrogance. While lacking seriousness or importance, exhibiting practical knowledge, and being simple-minded address different aspects of intelligence or behavior, they do not align with the specific nuances of how "pedantic" is typically used in describing someone’s conduct or communication style.