I often wonder when, where and how an expression originated. I don’t recall EVER hearing the following idioms, phrases or collection of words when I was growing up. Someone along the way first uttered the following phrases. I confess I don’t like them.
- “don’t go there” HUH?! What in the world does that mean?! Granted, I was an English major until my senior year of college when I switched to nursing (that’s a story printed in another place) and I want precise language. Do you mean “let’s not discuss that topic”? Did you really mean to say “that’s just too painful to talk about”?! Who first said “don’t go there”? Was it Clint Easwood right after he uttered “go ahead…make my day”! (Now THAT one I like.)
- Let “unpack” this chapter, this information, etc. The pastor said it in the sermon just this morning. Who first came up with this?! Do you mean let’s research this further…let’s seriously delve into it…let’s look at this in depth? I’m sure a seasoned college professor has also uttered this word. Hmmm…. Don’t like this one.
- “Have a good one”. Oh, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve held my tongue. I so want to reply, “have a good what?!”. I don’t though. Wouldn’t it be just as easy to substitute DAY for ONE? Not fond of this one either.
- “These ones”. Oh, please! You may as well scratch the blackboard with an ear-piercing screech as utter these two words together! It is “these” NOT “these ones”. I first heard this combination of words together all over the Pacific Northwest until I finally asked someone if they had been taught that in school. Apparently not, thank goodness.
The above are just a few…I’m sure there are many, many more!
Phraseology (photo above) might be an interesting book to check out from the library…
On a deeper note…
Language is a tool – a potentially beautiful tool – one we can skillfully, or not so skillfully, use to communicate. With words, we have the ability to express our deepest feelings…or superficially hide them from the world. Words can bless. Words can heal. Words can wound and hurt beyond all measure. Words can bring the deepest joy and greatest happiness. I have uttered words that I immediately wished I could retrieve…so have you. Words have power. We must choose wisely…