There are words and phrases that come into fashion and at present there are one or two that really annoy me (no surprise there) If you have ever read my blog (unlikely) you will know I have reverence for the English language and it’s use.
So let me begin by citing the phrase “it is what it is” what does it mean? It is, what is it and how can it be what it is? I understand it’s used as a phrase to mean you don't actually understand or have an explanation for a particular subject, it is lazy a way of dismissing without having to express an opinion. Of course there are other phrases that have a similar purpose “what will be will be” “it will happen when it happens” to name but two. Different languages have their own versions, my favourite is the Greek “itsi kitsi” meaning so,so or not good but not bad. This phrase is an easy way of getting out of a subject with a sigh and a wistful shrug of the eyebrow but means nothing.
Perfect. The dictionary meaning is “A being entirely without defect Flawless” “Satisfying all requirements Accurate” “Faithfully reproducing the original” so why when I go to pay for my purchase in a shop do I hear the assistant often say “perfect” Naturally if that are referring to me then I assume they are invoking the “flawless” meaning and that I can understand! I suppose if could reflect the second definition after all it is “accurate” It certainly does not reflect the third definition. They are however using as a convenient conjuncture without the slightest understanding of it’s true meaning. A simple “thank you” would still do the trick, why embellish with a word you otherwise would never use.
Amazing: The dictionary meaning: Causing astonishment, great wonder, surprise! So why is it use to to describe the most mundane of things which are none of those things. Why are some people insistent that triviality is so “amazing”? “I spoke to my friend in the pub last night”…….. “Really amazing” No it isn’t! “I moved the car out of his way”………..”amazing” Your understanding of astonishment and wonder need a real upgrade. Context is everything and if that person had lifted their car in order to shift it, well that is “amazing”, if their friend was a three legged alien from another planet, definitely “amazing” but otherwise I am afraid it’s use has become far to commonplace for nothing out of the ordinary.
Well I guess it is what it is and amazed as I am, nothing could be more perfect!
Stay well
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