One that comes to mind for me: “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is not always true. Maybe even only half the time! Are there any phrases you tend to hear and shake your head at?

  • Boozilla
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    5510 months ago

    Not a fan of “it is what it is”. It’s called a thought-terminating cliche. It often means “I’m tired of talking about this, do it my way” when my boss says it.

    • @[email protected]
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      1710 months ago

      ,I feel like this one is context dependent. Sometimes it’s just acceptance of the situation.

      “Wish it weren’t so hot outside, but this is Texas in August. It is what it is.”

      • Boozilla
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        410 months ago

        Context definitely matters. Your example wouldn’t bother me.

        Some people seem to think it’s a mic drop in other contexts.

      • @[email protected]
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        210 months ago

        I use it for things that can be talked about for ages, but nothing can be changed about them. I don’t use it to terminate discussion, but more of a well understood quick hand for acceptance and sometimes resignation.

    • @[email protected]
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      10 months ago

      “Agree to disagree” is even worse, especially since often the thing you’re arguing about is an empirical goddamn fact and they are not entitled to “disagree” about it. That’s not having a difference of opinion; that’s just fucking being wrong!

    • @[email protected]
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      10 months ago

      Ooo I get that one, but kinda the opposite way. I tell someone it has to be done this way, or to a certain standard, for it to be right. They don’t want to, so they respond with that nonsense.

    • @[email protected]
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      310 months ago

      I like it. It’s premise is accepting things beyond your control, allowing someone to stoically move forward rather than dwell in anxiety and disbelief.

    • @[email protected]
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      210 months ago

      I agree, when it’s used as a thought-terminating cliché. It’s also very applicable to impart acceptance of something that you can’t control.

      • @[email protected]
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        210 months ago

        I used it today to communicate my feelings on a topic I can’t control. Like, me venting isnt going to improve my or the questioners situation.

        In principal I am against thought-termination. Sometimes, like a good dog, you gotta put a thought out of its misery

        • @[email protected]
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          10 months ago

          I use it more in acceptance, like if I’m late for work and I hit traffic. Short of driving up the shoulder like an asshole, I’m going to be late. So rather than be stressed for the rest of my commute, I just accept that I’ll be late. It is what it is.

    • @[email protected]
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      110 months ago

      It’s good for when talking about things beyond your control. They way your boss is using it is bullshit. In that case, it is what he’s choosing to decide it is.