It is what it is … whatever it might be

An expression which is significantly heard nowadays on tv and in political remark is the rather puzzling “it is what it is”. Not precisely an illuminating observation, and it triggers the concern, “However, what is it?” Obviously it implies a specific scenario that can not be altered nevertheless much you desire and brings an aspect of resignation.

Politicians like the expression partially due to the fact that it sounds far better than the conventional “no remark” when they’re asked an uncomfortable concern. Even much better it normally brings the questioning to an abrupt stop. It is obviously not a completely acceptable response and can be a lazy method of preventing appropriate descriptions.

” It is what it is” has actually been around a long period of time in a range of guises. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth it surface areas in a little various words when Woman Macbeth yields “what’s done is done”. There is a comparable expression for occasions in the future with “whatever takes place, takes place” maybe much better referred to as “que sera sera” (whatever will be, will be) made popular by the Doris Day tune in 1956.

I fear “it is what it is” might quickly be signing up with a growing list of annoying expressions presently topped by “at this minute in time” which has actually driven me nuts for many years. It does not truly imply anything and at finest is a verbose method of stating “now”. One presumes this expression is utilized to provide the speaker a number of seconds to think up something more meaningful. A minimum of it spares us from “um”, “err “and” you understand” which we would otherwise be dealt with to.

And when it comes to “let me make one thing completely clear …” Grrr!

Having stated that …

There are a lot of expressions that can end up being bothersome if you hear them frequently. Whenever somebody brings out “to be completely sincere” it sets off an uneasy sensation that generally they are maybe less than genuine.

Another that can be rather annoying is “fix me if I’m incorrect” which normally implies, “I am never ever incorrect and do not you attempt fix me”. Rather comparable is “I do not wish to be impolite, however …” followed by the speaker being very impolite.

One expression that can be helpful is “however, having stated that …” after which you continue to oppose whatever you have actually formerly stated. It’s a convenient method of hedging and is especially handy when making a rash U-turn in a committee conference.

There’s a word for it

The “it is what it is” kind of idiom even has its own name, tautophrase, indicating an expression which intentionally duplicates specific words to stress a concept. This term was initially utilized in 2006 by New York City Times writer William Safire.

Throughout the years we have actually experienced tautophrasing most likely without understanding it. A few of the expressions are rather familiar as in “adequate suffices” typically utilized in paper headings together with “realities are realities”. Some are rather ridiculous such as “we are where we are” and “I understand what I understand” which sadly is typically not a lot.

In sport lots of a coach is normally showing relief when they bring out “a win is a win”.

A previous British prime minister was most likely uninformed she was bring out a tautophrase when she skillfully discussed “Brexit implies Brexit”.

The bus journey

Congratulations to Chadchart Sittipunt on his frustrating win for Bangkok guv. Now comes the tough part.

Having actually been transportation minister in a previous federal government he has a great concept how challenging it is to resolve Bangkok’s issues. At that time Mr Chadchart strongly promoted using buses in the city and chose to get first-hand experience as a commuter.

He was reserved on an afternoon flight from Don Mueang however decided to forgo his limo to the airport and take a bus from the city. He properly reached the bus stop and waited. Forty minutes later on he was still waiting on the bus.

Ultimately the bus appeared and he got on board. The car pushed its method through the popular gridlock at a snail’s rate. By the time the bus reached Triumph Monolith, just a quarter of the method to the airport, it had actually been 80 minutes considering that he initially reached the bus stop. It was time to decide …

Mea culpa

Mr Chadchart understood that if he stayed on the bus he was absolutely going to miss out on the flight. So he had little choice however phone his motorist to come and save him, deserting the bus. Thanks to the limo he simply made the flight.

To his credit he openly confessed later on his bus journey “was a flop”. However it was an “honourable flop” due to the fact that a minimum of he had actually made an effort to comprehend the issues dealing with commuters.

We want him all the best. He is absolutely going to require it.

Quick girls

My thanks to readers for acting on recently’s column worrying strange English check in Thailand.

One reader identified a roadside check in Koh Samui which revealed “great deals of beautiful girl captives”. Another reported a Pattaya bar brought the caution: “Care. Ladies approaching at high speed.” Then there was the charm store offering the less than attracting “lip gross”.

Numerous readers mentioned on highway “mishap ahead” indications which although in proper English, worryingly seem irreversible indications … from which you can make your own reductions.

Contact PostScript by means of e-mail at oldcrutch@hotmail.com