The role a character takes when questioning the unlikely trappings of their own show, especially if this becomes their recurring trait. Occasionally this allows another character to lampshade the answer to the question with an even more roundabout explanation.
There are two types of Meta Guy: a bumbling idiot who has no idea of what they're saying (or at least, not the deeper implications), or a Deadpan Snarker who goes out of their way to point out flaws in each plan. While a bumbling-type Meta Guy (typically wearing already blood-colored attire) would say something like, "I don't get this plan! It looks like I'd get mutilated/executed/a nasty paper cut" etc., an insightful-type Meta Guy in a similar situation might say, "Are you sure this is a good idea? I don't get out much", alluding not only to their situation but the fact that they've actually considered not coming back.
This is often the gag involved in a Boke and Tsukkomi Routine, where the tsukkomi plays Meta Guy. The key to being a subtle Meta Guy seems to be skepticism built on natural cynicism, rather than actually being aware of the Fourth Wall. The latter takes the character one step further to become a Fourth-Wall Observer. Can overlap with Logical Latecomer, it their skepticism stems from being a newcomer to the setting who hasn't yet acclimated to the local weirdness.
Very common in parodies. Not to be confused with Meta Knight from the Kirby series of video games, or Meta Power, which deals with powers that influence other powers.
