Is this a new saying?

[TheCarpetCleaner]

Just recently, over the past 6 months or so, I have noticed an increasing trend amoung some co-workers, clients and friends.

I can't say its an annoying habit, as I cannot let something as trivial as how one wishes to speak annoy me. However I do find it puzzling and was wondering if someone here could explain the reason behind it.

The saying is used in virtually every sentence that requires a confirmation - for example, you may not be able to make a particular appointment so you say

"If I don't make the appointment, then I don't make the appointment"

Or if you are going to arrive late somewhere and it can't be predicted

"If I am going to arrive late, then I am going to arrive late"

So why the need to say something, then confirm it again to the listener straight afterwards

Surely it is easier just to say "I may be arriving late" or am I missing something here? I don't understand why loads of people have started saying it as well - it almost sounds a bit retarded like they are having to confirm it to themselves while saying it...

Either that or all my friends are poorly programmed robots obsessed with "If - Then" routines

[Project 644]

This.
This.

[Shay HTFC]

If its not going to annoy you, then its not going to annoy you.

[ShadownINja]

I think there's an underlying arrogance in the statement in a kind of "that's how it is so tough st if you don't like it" manner.

[AB]

It's just like saying "Nothing you can do about it" the alternative is "If I'm going to be late, I'll drive faster"

[King Herald]

ShadownINja said:

I think there's an underlying arrogance in the statement in a kind of "that's how it is so tough st if you don't like it" manner.

Just what I was thinking, a modified "no responsibility, I am a victim, you owe me" mentality coming into vogue.

[TheEnd]

If i'm going to be late, the deal falls through,

If i'm going to be late, then you'll have to step in for me.

If i'm going to be late, there is no point in me going.

All bad...

If i'm going to be late, then i'm going to be late.

Doesn't matter, ie non-consequential, the worst that will happen is the fact that i am late.

[WTFWT]

They have a word for this in the areas I work: "Inshallah".

Sums it up perfectly and I've even notice it creep in to my own conversations back in Europe. To some very suspect looks!

[lightningghost]

WTFWT said:

They have a word for this in the areas I work: "Inshallah".

Sums it up perfectly and I've even notice it creep in to my own conversations back in Europe. To some very suspect looks!

Arabic for "God Willing" or something like that?

[Simpo Two]

Fotuntately it's not a phrase I come across. I wouldn't get much work if I said 'Well if I don't turn up to photograph your wedding, I don't turn up to photograph your wedding'.


Yep, thoughtlessness at best and arrogance at worst.

[Blib]

The way I read it is, "I'll try my very best to get there on time. However, if I still arrive late, then so be it".

I don't see the phrase as arrogant. Rather it's one of accepting the fact that, despite one's best efforts, things don't always go to plan.

[Arese]

lightningghost said:

WTFWT said:

They have a word for this in the areas I work: "Inshallah".

Sums it up perfectly and I've even notice it creep in to my own conversations back in Europe. To some very suspect looks!

Arabic for "God Willing" or something like that?

"If God is willing"

It's more common in my place of work than "Fancy a brew?"

[Shay HTFC]

TheEnd said:

If i'm going to be late, the deal falls through,

If i'm going to be late, then you'll have to step in for me.

If i'm going to be late, there is no point in me going.

All bad...

If i'm going to be late, then i'm going to be late.

Doesn't matter, ie non-consequential, the worst that will happen is the fact that i am late.

Exactly, it plays down the problem. Like "If she's got a problem with it, then she's got a problem with it. Big deal"

[Vespula]

It is certainly not new. Maybe it is a resurgence in your area.

People also use a similar saying with money e.g. "After all, £100 is £100." meaning it is no mean sum.

Edited by Vespula on Friday 9th October 08:06

[parakitaMol.]

swerni said:

Que Será Será

Get you with your é ó á shortcuts

Poof.

[Cara Van Man]

parakitaMol. said:

swerni said:

Que Será Será

Get you with your é ó á shortcuts

Poof.

+1

Massive poof.

Massive, bald poof.

Massive, bald poof with terrible dress sense.

Edited by Cara Van Man on Friday 9th October 08:55

Edited by Cara Van Man on Friday 9th October 08:56

Edited by Cara Van Man on Friday 9th October 08:56

[TheCarpetCleaner]

So has it featured on a TV show or advert recently that I have missed? Normally these pointless expressions come about after it features in an advert or a TV show ('simples' anyone )

I would be interested to know how it started again as it is becoming more and more noticeable.

[Chris71]

Can't say I've noticed anyone doing it (unless of course I have noticed someone saying it).

[Zad]

Deo volente...

Or, as it was commonly used, D.V.

[zac510]

Maybe they think it makes them sound more edgy and risk-taking, like an action hero tough guy. "If I'm late for my dentist appointment then so be it, I'll take it like a man!"