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FOT Community => General Discussion => Topic started by: colonel panic on July 11, 2009, 02:47:16 PM

Title: Up for discussion
Post by: colonel panic on July 11, 2009, 02:47:16 PM: The phrase "It is what it is" and things that fall under that description.

example:
Do you know anything about firehose/Mike Watt?

"It is what it is"

There are certain things that I would never classify that way; but some things just slide right in there. Why is that? The phrase doesn't actually mean anything. It's maddening.
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: cutout on July 11, 2009, 03:12:43 PM: That phrase, and "at the end of the day" have quickly become the go-to phrase for people with no imagination.
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: Stan on July 11, 2009, 03:16:44 PM: But at the end of the day, it is what it is.
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: nec13 on July 11, 2009, 03:22:56 PM: The phrase "because I can." It is used to rationalize irrational behavior.

"Why are you driving with no pants on?"
"Because I can."
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: buffcoat on July 11, 2009, 03:53:47 PM: At the end of the day, it is what it is.

I like these phrases, especially for business conversations, where often you are forced to talk to someone that you have no real desire to talk to but also don't dislike enough to be rude to. These are great things for both of you to be able to say while you think about whatever it is that you would rather think about.

For example:

A: Hey, what do you think about the new tax plan? They're really going to soak us, huh? (thinks about date later that evening).

B: Yeah, man. At the end of the day, it just is what it is (Thinks about basketball game)

A: Yeah, man, exactly.
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: yesno on July 11, 2009, 04:54:05 PM: "arguably"
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: dave from knoxville on July 11, 2009, 06:03:44 PM: I feel like these sorts of phrases level the playing field in the political debate.
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: moonshake on July 11, 2009, 08:09:42 PM: I hate it when someone utters "Well, whadda ya gonna do?" in a falling intonation to kill a conversation.
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: Sploops on July 12, 2009, 12:25:19 AM: "Not for nothing but ..."
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: daveB from Oakland on July 12, 2009, 12:57:27 AM: The more things change, the more they stay the same, and yet ... things ain't what they used to be.
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: scratchbomb on July 12, 2009, 09:44:58 AM: Quote from: Sploops on July 12, 2009, 12:25:19 AM
"Not for nothing but ..."

To me, this one has negative/confrontational connotations. It always seems to be followed by something like, "Not for nothing, but you're a douchebag."
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: Fido on July 12, 2009, 08:29:54 PM: Quote from: Stan on July 11, 2009, 03:16:44 PM
But at the end of the day, it is what it is.

I remember saying this once to someone as an example of a cliche-ridden statement.

When I'm feeling obnoxious, I like to say things like, "At the end of the day, it's time to go to sleep." Why? Because I can.
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: fonpr on July 12, 2009, 08:34:04 PM: "Going forward" when talking about the future.

You gonna go backward or sideways?
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: dave from knoxville on July 13, 2009, 11:34:29 AM: "level the playing field", right?

How about "You go, girl!".....straight to hell.
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: iAmBaronVonTito on July 13, 2009, 01:29:24 PM: Quote from: dave from knoxville on July 13, 2009, 11:34:29 AM
How about "You go, girl!".....straight to hell.

this made me chuckle.

also, my contribution to this thread: see whatever thread it is that i made a stink about the line, "could you make a blah blah movie/album/etc...?"
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: Fido on July 13, 2009, 08:29:17 PM: Quote from: fonpr on July 12, 2009, 08:34:04 PM
"Going forward" when talking about the future.

You gonna go backward or sideways?

Ooooohhh, this one burns me too. Unless one's discussing something retroactive, it's a useless expression. That's probably why it reminds me of verbally-challenged financial managers. Right on, Fred.
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: kittykittymeowmixhead on July 13, 2009, 11:04:35 PM: I hate when people say "I don't know what to tell you."

I am guilty of saying "Whatta ya gonna do..."
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: Big Plastic Head on July 14, 2009, 01:57:46 AM: "That is all."

I HATE that one.
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: iAmBaronVonTito on July 14, 2009, 11:19:32 AM: Quote from: kittykittymeowmixhead on July 13, 2009, 11:04:35 PM
I hate when people say "I don't know what to tell you."

i only hate this phrase when im pouring my heart out (read: venting) to someone and this is their "answer".
Title: Re: Up for discussion
Post by: emdasher on July 14, 2009, 02:39:21 PM: People should just stop talking entirely.