As we sojourn down the road we call life, we oft encounter people who are inclined to use certain annoying phrases in speech over and over again. You know the kind of phrases I mean --- pet phrases like "when all is said and done," "it was to die for," and "getting up to speed."
Phrases that are one long fingernail scratch on the blackboard.
It's known as the Pet Phrase Pet Peeve Conundrum. People who repeat annoying phrases like these ad nauseum --- often several times in the same conversation ---usually don't realize they're even doing it until one day they discover a crazed friend or acquaintance with his or her hands wrapped tightly about their throats. It would be far better if we could give these folks the message before it reaches this stage.
I believe it can be done. How? By gently drawing the offender's attention to the phraseology that drives us crazyeology with a subtle well-chosen riposte.
For example:
It's a who struck John. --- Who is this guy John? He must have the crap fairly well kicked out of him by now!
Six of one and half dozen of another --- Really? You mean six eggs are exactly the same as a half dozen diamonds?
You're too funny! --- Gee, I'm sorry. Next time I'll do my best to not be funny enough!
I'm going to reach out to George --- I hope you have a long reach, since you live in Pennsylvania and George is in Wyoming!
At the end of the day... --- If you say that one more time, I doubt this day will ever end!
The long and the short of it. --- I don't mind you're talking about the Verranzo-Narrows Bridge, but stop talking about your penis!
Having said that ... --- I know you did. I heard it one second ago.
What's bottom line? --- What, you've never seen a panty line before?
He said/she said --- You left out "I said/you said." Where did you learn to conjugate verbs?
Think outside the box --- Dude, it's 2014. Anyone who says "think outside the box" isn't thinking outside the box!
At any rate --- So you're the one in charge of my cable bill!
That's all she wrote! --- No, it isn't! Here's where she called you an asshole!
Rob Peter to pay Paul --- That's terrible! Moses would have sued!
Woo Hoo! --- Never heard that said aloud before. Hope you don't mind my hands wrapped tightly about your throat!
Hopefully these and other subtle responses of your own devise will help you and your friend, acquaintance, or even loved one conquer the The Pet Phrase Pet Peeve Conundrum. Fortunately none of this is a problem for me. I am simply not one of those people inclined to use certain annoying phrases in speech over and over again.
You follow me?
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