One of my friends has a habit of using this phrase:
"Never 'assume'. It makes an *** out of U and ME."
The first time I heard it (20 years ago), it was quite a noivelty and a good play on words. Now, I just find it kind of pretentious and definitely irritating!
Annoying phrase, or not?
2007-01-10 03:29:05 · 23 answers · asked by Wildamberhoney 6 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
I'm not arguing with the innate truth of this cliche... after all, cliches are only cliches because they're universally true. What irritates me is that it sounds so smug and 'holier than thou', to my ears anyway.
2007-01-10 04:02:33 · update #1
Thanks, 'just ask jo', for your deeply intellectual and insightful remark. I suggest that you take your own advice. If you're going to try and insult someone, at least do it properly. Yawn. Goodnight.
2007-01-10 13:11:38 · update #2
I carry a particular dislike for this phrase. You are absolutely correct when you characterize a user of this phrase as smug.
The main thing that irritates me (other than the smugness) is the fact that no one could ever get through a single day of life without constantly making assumptions. Assumptions are the very foundation of inductive reasoning.
Example: Why don't you stop for gas when you tank readout shows full? Because you assume that there is gas in your tank.
There are countless examples of this in day to day life.
2007-01-10 04:59:18 · answer #1 · answered by Dendryte88 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes my nearest and dearest has used it for more than thirty years I've been tempted to permanently remove the software that provides this little dig at irregular intervals. Unfortunately the package is all or nothing so I have to put up with it.
You have my sympathy....
2007-01-10 11:42:00 · answer #2 · answered by scrambulls 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is pretentious, but is also quite true. I work in a job were assumptions are easily made.
I have been told by my boss that "to assume is the mother of all f*** ups).
Sounds much less pretentious, doesnt it?
2007-01-10 11:33:07 · answer #3 · answered by Rich T 6 · 7⤊ 0⤋
While the over-use of this phrase makes my blood boil, the truth in it still rings forth. Assuming things often DOES make an asshole out of you.
2007-01-10 12:00:04 · answer #4 · answered by spewing_originality 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Definitely!
2007-01-10 11:36:47 · answer #5 · answered by Sam C 2 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Obviously your friend is quite taken with it and says it at every opportunity because it sounds so clever. Personally, I find it very irritating and corny - and old.
2007-01-10 15:38:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
People who use pat phrases, such as your friend, are only insecure. Your friend is probably unaware of the repetitive nature of the usage. Tell them to cease and desist posthaste with future analogies, or you'll go "oops upside their head".
2007-01-10 11:38:12 · answer #7 · answered by msmaryanne3 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
i dont think its the worst thing i ever heard, but it could be annoying after 20 years. i find "time to lean time to clean" very annoying after 5 years of waitressing!
2007-01-10 11:40:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Lol, I never heard that before!
I don't think its pretentious, just a bit silly!
2007-01-10 11:39:24 · answer #9 · answered by lilyangele 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Any friend who used that saying with me whould get their A S S kicked.
2007-01-10 11:32:52 · answer #10 · answered by CHAAAAAAARGE! 2 · 7⤊ 0⤋