Image via WikipediaEver notice how some people have a “signature line”, a phrase they repeat often and are associated with? Maybe the most well known signature line belonged to Rodney Dangerfield – “I don’t get no respect.”
Several people I know have their own pet phrase – here’s a sampling.
“Those two are a pair to draw to!”
“Where’s your partner in crime?”
“If I were any happier I’d be twins.”
“I’ve been running around like a goof.”
“If you’re going to be a bear, be a grizzly.”
What makes these so memorable? Quirky phrasing? Revealing of a basic underlying truth? I think sometimes it’s just the repetition.
I don’t think I have a pet phrase, although these two creep into my conversation fairly often …
- Philosophy of copyediting – “When in doubt, leave it out.”
- Philosophy of homeownership – “When in doubt, farm it out.”
Both have served me well.
How about you? Do you have a pet phrase, or know someone who does? What is it? Do you find pet phrases instructive, entertaining, or annoying?
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Brad, I tend to find them annoying… but it’s very hard to spot them in yourself. I hope I don’t use too many! (No need to tell me if I do)
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I guess the one I like and use the most is my favorite sign in/sign off: A tip o’ the hat to ya!
The bad thing about it though is if it’s an annoying one, we’re usually the last to realize it. So… please don’t tell me! Let me remain blissfully ignorant!
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Joanna, The annoyance factor has a lot to do with personality and delivery, don’t you think? I could listen to Robert’s tip o’ the hat all day, but if I did that, it just wouldn’t be the same.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Do You Have a Pet Phrase?
Well… first you’d need a hat! Bwa-ha-ha-ha!
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Brad, I agree with your assessment it is all in the delivery and personality of the person. I once worked with a guy who had an annoying voice and personality. He always said “No worries,” and it made me want to punch him. On the other hand my Dad says “Shame to complain” when you ask how he’s doing but it’s delivered with a chuckle and cheeriness so it’s endearing not grating. I say “Awesome” way too much, feel free to bop me on the head to cure me of the disease.
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Karen, That “no worries” guy sounds like someone you’d see on “The Office”.
“Awesome” is interesting, in that I never say it, but write it all the time. Is that weird? It’s a little Valley Girlish, too, maybe.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Do You Have a Pet Phrase?
Awesome is totally Valley Girl! LOL! I worked hard to lose the lingo in College but a few words have stubbornly stuck.
My director secretly nicknamed the no worries guy “Howling” which was a play on his real name. It very appropriately described his manner of speaking but it was kind of mean.
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My husband and I have at least two favorites:
(1) When someone asks how we’re doing, we say, “Still sitting up and taking nourishment.” Someone said that to us once and it tickled our funny bones. We’re not above stealing.
(2) One that he came up with and that we use a lot is, “Nobody asked us.” That’s when things are going on that we have no control over. It conveys that we don’t like what’s going on, but there’s not much we can do about it. I usually add, “But we’ll tell them anyway.” I’m a bit more apt to let my representatives know my opinion. It might help the situation a bit…it definitely helps me. At the very least I’m affirming my values.
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Hi Jean, I’ll bet most people pick up their pet phrases from somebody else, so no problem there. With everything going on politically and economically these days, you must have numerous occasions to use #2.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Do You Have a Pet Phrase?
I acquired one from my friend, who says “if you know what I mean,” after virtually every sentence.
It frustrates me when he says it and it also frustrates others when I say it. Nevertheless, it is a difficult habit to break.
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Andrew, have you ever broached the subject with your friend? I imagine it would be a difficult conversation.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Do You Have a Pet Phrase?