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Can anybody give an exact, or at least better, definition of the expression, "I'm just saying"?
It's use is, I think:
guy1: "Wow, that chick is hot!"
guy2: "That's my mother, dude!"
guy1: "I'm just saying!" (said slowly and emphatically, in a conciliatory manner)
guy2: "Oh."
If this is the correct useage, it seems to me to be a phrase that allows the speaker to distance themself from an offensive remark, as if to say, "As unfortunate as it is, this is what any reasonable person would opine in the same circumstance." If this is correct, then it is really an interesting creation. I am not sure if I know any other word or phrase that could have that exact same meaning or could be said in the same circumstance.
I think you've got it right, except I don't think it's necessarily offensive. I would say it's what an honest person would opine, if given permission to speak freely. As unfortunate as it is, honesty can sometimes be offensive. And you know what they say: it's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.
In your little scenario, guy1 could just as well said, "Yeah, but it's the truth, man," or, "So, you'd rather have an ugly mom?"
Welcome to the club, Snarls. Okay, I gotta ask what's up with the name.
Interestingly enough, I did a bit of research (well, just Googled it, actually) and found one source that thought it to be a modern version of, "With all due respect" which seems fair, although what it lacks in obsequiousness it may now earn in rudeness.
The name is fun. It was my father's nickname at his place of work, mostly because on one particular occasion he did not suffer a fool gladly. From there the jest of his friends was to keep it up, mostly because he is, in truth, a wonderful and very kind person. (This is the same place that differentiated between two fellows with the same first name by calling the shorter of the two "Big One" and the other "Small One.") Being a small town, first my sister and then I, as we grew up and took on jobs in the area, were called, each in turn, "Snarls Jr." Having moved far away from my roots I have kept up the habit, mostly now to tease my wife. When someone asks at a restaurant when taking reservations, for example, I always give "Snarls." When the hostess looks as if they have heard it wrong, I usually say, "Let's be honest, there's only one here that is going to answer to it!" The picture, well, if you are old enough to identify the guy, you get it...
"Snarls" also works well in forums... generally there really is only one person willing to answer to it!
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Grant Barrett
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