Decoding This Phrase
Has anyone besides me noticed a new popularity for the annoying phrase "The truth of the matter is . . ."? There are similar phrases used as a bit of conversational throat-clearing--all with some connection to the concept of honesty. "Frankly" and "Quite frankly" are the two that come to mind. I remember reading in an Emma Lathen book that her main character responded to the question, "Can I be frank with you?" by assuming that the rest of the conversation would be full of deceit. I don't think that "The truth of the matter is," signals deceit, but I do think that, at least sometimes, there are sub-texts to it, too. Sometimes it seems as though this phrase is a code for "You're too stupid to figure this out so I'm going to spell it out for you." Other times I think it might be, "This topic is a major irritant to me but I don't want to say I'm irritated so I'll use this phrase to relieve my feelings while I say something negative about it." These interpretations are probably just my neuroses showing—but I still wouldn't mind if I never heard the phrase again.
posted by Amy @ 2/03/2006 05:50:00 a.m.
2 comments
2 Comments:
Frank Lee.
I am rendered filthy itchy by the horribly thoughtless rash of a saying: "It's all good".
It's not all good! The world is steeped in evil and suffering and greed. Think about it. Toe cramps. Or when you forget to ask for a receipt! Satan is alive and good!
Don't the "All Gooders" understand?
If it was all good, why would they need to say that?
Better to say "It's all redundant" or "Some of it contrasts, which "amplifies" (see Amy's other blog on hearing) the good". No bad, no good. Good God!
But no, it is ALL good, and none of it is bad, even this blogment. Is there a proper name for a comment on a blog?
That ought to shut the rosey glasses - It's All Good - Yay I've Contracted Herpes - crowd up! Go back to Eden, pick a tree stump and sit down! Now think about what you have said.
Such people should be pulped. Well. Like well pulped. Then we could look down at their sorry, less descript carcasses with glazed over, vacant smiles and sing "Hey, it's all well".
But I don't think they should be juiced. With good reason. They might feel inclined to invent some clichepositivo and say "I'm Really Juiced!" They are just like that.
Stop saying "It's all good" and all will be well.
This is the first time I have ever ever responded to a blog. Blogmento umero nuno!
Not to show off my degree in lapin or anything. I hope I did OK.
All well. It's oh good.
Also, I feel better having released these ventiments into the world, but I still need a tylenol.
Now for the word verification examination.
Good luck on that fellah!
Thanks!
Great stuff Frank! Thanks!
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