I just love the English language. It’s so full of catch phrases and sayings, many of which have come into vogue the past 10 to 15 years. A lot of it is coded, or nuanced at the very least, but it does pepper our everyday speech.
Just the other day I was speaking to someone during the course of my business day and they said to me, “It is what it is”. Well, I know what it is, but aren’t we discussing it so that maybe we can change it. Or here’s one of my favorites: “I’m just saying” Well of course you’re just saying, I just heard you say it. And just so you know, we’re just talking. Usually that is said after someone makes a bold or controversial comment. I just said it today. . . in another blog.
The one that really gets me is, “Let’s not go there”. Go where? You’re here and I’m here; where are we going? It seems that is said when they don’t want to discuss it any further. Too spooky or too personal.
Another one I just heard Tom Selleck say on the hit TV show, Blue Bloods, “At the end of the day.” Is that today, tomorrow; when? It’s usually a ton of stuff that’s going to remain status quo. This seems like the modern version of “After all is said and done”.
The one that always seemed corny to me was when someone says something that is surprising or even shocking and they come back with, “Get out of town” or “Get out”. I actually have a friend that says that and it cracks me up. Why would I want to leave town except maybe to go on a vacation.
“You’re kidding me” is so old it’s become reflexive. “I just crashed my car and it’s totaled.” “You’re kidding.” “No, why would I joke about a thing like that!”
My all-time favorite is “Whatever”. I love this one because it’s so wonderfully dismissive. And depending on what type of tone and inflection you put on it, it’s like telling someone to go fly a kite. Which if you really think about it, wouldn’t that be a lot of fun!
Okay, I’ve got to run. (I really should, I need to lose some weight and get into shape; just in case you were wondering why run or who I was running from or even where I would be running too.)
Hope you all have a good one. If you’re thinking a good what, I’ll leave that to your imaginations. Thanks for dropping in.
Love you all dearly. PW