What a pity!?

Question

I was told that the expression "What a pity!" is out-of-date and is not used any longer in the US. Is it true? If so, what do people say instead?

Answer 1

We're more mature nowadays, we say stuff like "Ha! Ha! Loser. Sucks to be you"

Answer 2

A young person with a limited "trendy" vocabulary told you that. It is not out of date. Out of date would mean that it is obsolete or no longer in use. It's still in use. It's just not fashionable for young people to use that phrase. People who are better educated or well read tend use the phrase more. They are usually older and not so influenced by trends in language and the pressure to conform to the current popular standard. It is perfectly correct, standard and current English. Just save it for when you get old. Instead say "That's too bad". There are many slang phrases that you can say as well but if you speak English as a second language you have to be careful. Slang phrases are popular but can be regarded as disrespectful. I would say the most popular slang phrase used to replace "What a pity" is "That sucks", usually said with an air of disdain. However that phrase has sexual connotations at which some older folks might chafe. So to be on the safe side I would stick with "That's too bad".

Answer 3

It's not necessarily out of date, the phrase was hardly ever used in the first place. I think people use "that's a shame" a lot more.

Answer 4

Kids now days say "pownage:, adults say "shame on you"
old people hardly ever say what a pity, It is more British than American English..

Answer 5

It depends on who you are talking to. I've heard it said:

"Pity."
"That sucks."
"Bummer."
"How awful."
"Wow."
"Downbeat."
"That's horrible."
"That's a shame."

English, like most languages in the world today, is a living language that is constantly changing and expanding. Phrases move in and out of fashion, and it depends on to whom you are speaking as to what phrases see use. Many people still say, "What a pity," but just as many are apt to say, "That sucks."

Answer 6

hey
its still an english espression
American english expressions are different dont use it to and American cus some wont even know what u are talking about
they will rather say its a shame rather than its a pitty

Answer 7

It's a little out of date.

Answer 8

Main Entry: 1pity
Pronunciation: 'pi-tE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural pit·ies
Etymology: Middle English pite, from Anglo-French pité, from Latin pietat-, pietas piety, pity, from pius pious
1 a : sympathetic sorrow for one suffering, distressed, or unhappy b : capacity to feel pity
2 : something to be regretted
synonyms PITY, COMPASSION, COMMISERATION, CONDOLENCE, SYMPATHY mean the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another. PITY implies tender or sometimes slightly contemptuous sorrow for one in misery or distress . COMPASSION implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare . COMMISERATION suggests pity expressed outwardly in exclamations, tears, or words of comfort . CONDOLENCE applies chiefly to formal expression of grief to one who has suffered loss . SYMPATHY often suggests a tender concern but can also imply a power to enter into another's emotional experience of any sort .



For More Information on "pity" go to Britannica.com

Answer 9

Pity a what!

Answer 10

That's a shame.
That's too bad.