Lean in
Unpack
Drill down
Ratchet
Twerk
Ju' watch
It is what it is
I know, right?
And, of course, a personal favorite: Gettin' it in.
I realize that we have these catch phrases every generation,
and we get new ones every few months. They come from songs, movies, authors,
public speakers, random creative people who are influencers. We have slang
phrases, business expressions and popular pick-up lines. All of these phrases spread
like wildfire from one demographic and generation to the next. I remember when
the newscasters started saying “24/7.” Really?
My sister pointed out that, six months ago – before Miley
Cyrus did her thing on the Video Music Awards – no one would have known what a “ratchet twerker” was. Now, it’s commonly used by all generations
and races. Once again, I’m hearing it on the news.
Here’s a tip, by the time a phrase makes it on the news, it’s
already been in circulation too long.
Most of these trendy phrases reveal a time period. “Far out!,”
“Jive turkey,” and “Don’t have a cow” definitely speak to an era. I assume that
Twerk and Ratchet will be linked to the 2010s. Lovely.
There are a few phrases, however, that have stood the test
of time. “Like” and “You know” have been passed down from generation to
generation for at least 30-40 years, if not more.
Many of these ridiculous phrases we can say (or recall) with
laughter. However, when I hear people say them with all seriousness – as though
this makes them cool or this is the phrase to beat all other phrases – inwardly
my eyes roll (and sometimes outwardly).
I told my son that men used to approach women by asking,
"What's your sign?" He thought I was kidding and cracked up laughing.
In fact, there was a time when “What’s your sign?” was an introductory question
in all social circles because astrology was the hot thing.
I admit, it is hard not to be caught up in the phrase of the
day. I’ve been guilty of it, as well. I recall over-using “What’s the tip?” and
“That’s wack!” It got old and I got over it.
So, let’s get over it, already, people. Let’s make an effort
to use these expressions in moderation. Let’s stop the madness and break the cycle!
Otherwise, I’ll have no choice but to call you Ratchet.
