A blog discussion on Creative Think, Roger von Oechs great blog on A Phrase Past it’s Expiration Date touched on an issue I have been sensitive to for as long as I can remember.
The discussion was what phrases people are tired of hearing. It’s so easy to become exasperated with certain phrases that are commonly used, however relevant, they can become tired, worn and some even relegated to a list to be ridiculed.
For me, it’s not so much each phrase but the conscious or mindful intent or lack of it that I’m sensitive to.One person can say ” it is what it is” as a way of choosing not to engage, not letting the mind run down an old, habitual and unhelpful track.
Unfortunately
“When I was your age…”
“It’s just a stage….”
“My how you’ve grown.”
most often accompany a superior / patronising attitude or intent.
My own sensitivity around clarity and sincerity of intent behind words reminds me of the phrase from old Western films, “white man speak with forked tongue”, whoever wrote that line would love this topic.
Whilst I may notice a lack of congruence between the words used and my sense of the real meaning behind the words, it’s calling it in the right spirit which I can find tricky.
