Got it” has become the all-purpose phrase that continues to be trending and it can be used in a myriad of different ways. This combination of words could come in handy when you most need it. Once it has been said, it cannot be unsaid. Later it may be used to hold you accountable for something you promised.
“You said you would pick it up for me,” or “I thought you understood what I meant,” are only two responses that could make one regret using this combo of two words hastily. It might be wise to deny any accountability by not using this phrase until after the holidays.
Uttering this two-word response briefly in a curt tone of voice usually ends any further discussion. However with families and friends you have to watch your tone and use another diversionary tactic by changing the subject or by moving farther away. Special occasions that require lots of talk around the table often make it difficult to converse civilly.
Comedians fill their routines with loads of stories about unhappy get-togethers, where the rules of polite conversation no longer reign. The tone of voice becomes all-important. The household shut-up jars will remain empty. This handy phrase is now used most often simply as a delay tactic so that conversation will end shortly. C
ontinuing to have civil conversations with each other will be difficult. Anyone who has had to cut off a friend or a family member from engaging in talk about serious subjects feels a little guilty. Turning to other trendy phrases that may be popular now isn’t a good idea either. Those may be overused and become conversational “earworms.” If one is asked how one is doing, the usual neutral “OK” or “getting there” responses only encourage the speaker to keep blabbing away. Trying to use the body language cues that convey one’s disinterest would be more useful. One late night talk-show uses another phrase to encourage guests on the show to continue talking: “That’s what I’m talking about.”
Be very careful when you catch yourself saying, “I hear ya,” too. It only extends your time sitting at the table.
By Dolly Viscardi