It is just fascinating how some people, usually those who intend to be nasty, will open up their comments with some sort of disclaimer that only serves to elucidate their intention.
Why would you think that starting off a comment with, "I'll be nice about this...," is going to somehow obscure the fact that you absolutely intend, from beginning to end, to be anything but nice? "Nice" would sound pleasant, good-natured, and kind.
That sort of blatantly dishonest disclaimer is in the same category as those that begin with things like:
- "I hope you don't take offense at this, but..."
- "Not meaning to sound rude, but..."
- "I don't want to sound judgmental, but..."
- "Please don't be hurt, but..."
The translation for each of those is so evident and so clear that it is amazing that anyone ever tries to get away with that silliness. How much more honest it would be to simply declare from the outset that what will follow is, of course, meant to be offensive, rude, judgmental and hurtful. People who begin comments, or conversations of any sort, with that kind of thinly veiled excuse for bad behavior, know better. After all, we teach toddlers how to be "nice." It is one of the earliest social skills that small humans learn.
I don't know. It makes me just shake my head.
swan
And if you're southern they just go ahead and say it then add "Bless their heart."
ReplyDeleteLOL!
Deleteswan
PK, they do say that!
Delete-sin
Well, of course. "Bless their heart" is southern for "that f*cking idiot."
DeleteMichelle