Everyone laughed because that response aptly summed up what we all were thinking in this day of "germaphobia" and hand sanitizers. It was a new take on an old cliche--like gesundheit with a twist.
There are other cliches we use that can be quite helpful to convey complex thoughts and opinions in just a few words. They also can be a lazy way of communicating without thinking. It's like verbal shorthand.
Pat phrases come from all sorts of sources: great literature, the Bible, Ben Franklin, Mark Twain, advertisers, television comedians, etc. For example:
- He/she marches to the beat of a different drummer (Thoreau)
- God helps those who help themselves (Ben Franklin)
- Grab all the gusto you can (beer commercial)
- No pain, no gain (probably a sadistic coach or trainer)
- You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours (business person or politician)
- Double-dipping of a potato chip (Seinfeld)
- Fish and visitors smell after three days (Mark Twain)
- Paradigm shift (business)
- Think outside the box (?)
- Not the brightest bulb in the tanning bed
- Not the sharpest tool in the shed
- Stupid is as stupid does (Forrest Gump's mom, Sally Fields)
- Build your castles in the air (Thoreau & Les Miserables)
- Dumb as a box of rocks
Cover up?
Sometimes, though, they can be a cop-out, a cover up for our real feelings when we don't know what to say. For example, when someone experiences a tragedy we often rely on pat phrases to fill in awkward silences. Or if there's something too painful to talk about we explain things using familiar words to soften the impact.
The Bible talks about the importance of using clear, thoughtful language.
But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, that you may not fall under condemnation. (James 5: 12, RSV)
In his interaction with people, Jesus was clear and direct, zeroing in on their need:
"Son, your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5)
"I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." (Mark 2: 12)
"Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4: 40)
"Little girl, I say to you, get up!" (Mark 5: 41)
"'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?'" (Mark 8:29)
Our goal should be communication, connection through language. Sometimes a cutesy cliche works, and sometimes a heartfelt use of fresh phrases or words is best. It takes sensitivity to others' needs to figure it out.
Language can be fun...
Listen to your language and to the conversations of those around you. Are you picking up on any fun, clever, or antiquated phrases? Do you use advertising slogans in your dialog? They want you to do that, you know. Advertisers--that's "another kettle of fish" (this one's from England, I think).
It might be interesting to use the Comments section below to share some of the funny or meaningful phrases that are part of our communication. Click on Comments, use the pull-down menu to register as Anonymous, write a response and hit Publish.
Meanwhile, I know you probably didn't sneeze, but "God bless you" anyway. And I really mean it--I pray God will fill your week with his goodness and joy.
Blessings,
Sue
I could play you like a fiddle/that hurt like there's no tomorrow/she's got a bee in her bonnet or a burr under her saddle/if you can't beat 'em, join 'em/don't poke the bear/run like a gazelle/he's a piece of work/drives like a banshee/there's no crying in Disneyland/it won't be noticed on a galloping horse/if you can't stand the heat, get outta the kitchen/for cryin' out loud in a bucket!/I'm so mad I can't see straight/......:)
Our goal
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