“Same old, same old” and “It is what it is” may be two of the most annoying phrases that have seeped unnoticed into our daily conversations. So many of our exchanges with family and friends have become laced with cliches, idioms, or all sorts of space fillers. It is an overused version of small talk that could be described as tiny talk.
Different phrases that may come to mind are only more earworms that burrow into our everyday language. Toss any one of them into public dialogue and watch how quickly the conversation halts or reaches a temporary impasse. The increasing use of these kinds of sayings leaks into our collective communication and become more pervasive in public discourse each day.
In my case, those two irritating earworms have joined the bits of songs or advertising tunes filling my brain throughout each day. A wide variety of quick, easy conversation-fillers serve to stop everyone’s most impromptu exchanges. In some cases, they rely on predictability and easy access to become well-worn and overused. They intrude into all kind of discussions involving serious subjects. Some of the others that are usually posed as questions come to mind as well.
“Awww, what’re ya gonna do?”
“Isn’t that always the way?”
Questions such as these are designed to signal the end of most conversations. While they may proclaim unspoken neutrality on touchy subjects that have been broached, the real message is clear. There is not much anyone can do. No action needs to be taken and the number of times they add one of these conversation killers — they have made understood. Some words or phrases go out of style quickly, and when someone of a different generation uses a word or phrase that had recently been popular, the moment may be more than cringe-worthy.
“Duh…”
“Whatever..”
“‘Nuff said.”
By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times
