Back in the ‘50s there was this humor book full of “decodings.” (Does anyone remember the title?)Kid: "It doesn’t fit!" Meaning: The other kids have a different color.Teenager: “I’m sick of boys! They’re so childish and immature…”Meaning: If Mom doesn’t let me wear lipstick, I’ll DIE!Saleslady: “It’s a nice hat.”Meaning: It’s a terrible hat, but it’s cheap.
I often find myself using similar techniques. It’s not about being bored per se, it’s about having a schedule, or something I really should be doing. Not including ironing my socks. Usually.
As Calvin said so rightly, “verbing weirds language.” But English is notorious for adjectiving nouns, nouning verbs, verbing predicates (as in this strip) or entire sentences, or simply allowing a single word to occupy every known part of speech. It has wonderful flexibility.
When I say that to someone on the phone, it’s usually because I’m fairly certain I’m boring the bejesus out of them. [By the way, Stephan, you’ve used the less common spelling of ‘bejesus’ there.]
A friend of mine will call, actual talking, and we chat, the old fashioned way. Anyhow he will say I guess I’ll be going and then does an encore. That is when I say: “I guess, I’ll let you go then!”
In workplace meetings, anyone who says, “I’ll say this in conclusion” or “I’ll say this and shut up” really means “I’ve got another 45 minutes to an hour to go.”
Odd, that people get so offended by the phrase, “I should probably let you go.” When I say it, it only means, “I really have to leave you now so I can go to the bathroom.” which, of course, I don’t want to actually say.
BE THIS GUY almost 5 years ago
“I have taken enough of your time.”
I have wasted too much time on you.
B UTTONS almost 5 years ago
Do you have a minute to take a poll?
Q1: are you boring?
Q2: is this poll boring?
DennisinSeattle almost 5 years ago
“It was good talking with you”
This conversation is over.
DanielRyanMulligan almost 5 years ago
Just another way to say shut up
Kind&Kinder almost 5 years ago
Somehow, I thought it said Doctor of Linguiniology. That would be Rat, of course, the Teeny Weenie Linguine. He’s pasta all hope!
Sherlock Watson almost 5 years ago
So what’s the translation for “It’s not you, it’s me”?
Obi-Haiv almost 5 years ago
Who knew Rat was a cunning linguist?
Major Matt Mason Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Rick Roll cue in 3…2…1…
Bilan almost 5 years ago
“I should probably let you go.” really translates to
“When I asked how you’re doing, I didn’t really want an answer.”
Johnny Q Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Back in the ‘50s there was this humor book full of “decodings.” (Does anyone remember the title?)Kid: "It doesn’t fit!" Meaning: The other kids have a different color.Teenager: “I’m sick of boys! They’re so childish and immature…”Meaning: If Mom doesn’t let me wear lipstick, I’ll DIE!Saleslady: “It’s a nice hat.”Meaning: It’s a terrible hat, but it’s cheap.
sonneofman almost 5 years ago
As the line goes: get outta here, Stanley.
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Well done, Goat. Good job. You got the drop on him and made him eat his words.
Concretionist almost 5 years ago
I often find myself using similar techniques. It’s not about being bored per se, it’s about having a schedule, or something I really should be doing. Not including ironing my socks. Usually.
gopher gofer almost 5 years ago
hey, great to see you!
somebody please shoot me now…
Yontrop almost 5 years ago
That first phrase saw much use on the telephone long before texting was invented.
hariseldon59 almost 5 years ago
Rat gets the tables turned on him.
The Old Wolf almost 5 years ago
As Calvin said so rightly, “verbing weirds language.” But English is notorious for adjectiving nouns, nouning verbs, verbing predicates (as in this strip) or entire sentences, or simply allowing a single word to occupy every known part of speech. It has wonderful flexibility.
Breadboard almost 5 years ago
If I only did social media ! … But wait I’m here ! … Croc Power !
WoodstockJack almost 5 years ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0
Ksandler4570 almost 5 years ago
#truth
Zebrastripes almost 5 years ago
HA! Thats me! I hate talking on the phone …I prefer text or emails.
Andrew Sleeth almost 5 years ago
When I say that to someone on the phone, it’s usually because I’m fairly certain I’m boring the bejesus out of them. [By the way, Stephan, you’ve used the less common spelling of ‘bejesus’ there.]
uniquename almost 5 years ago
My fav is, “Hi there! How are you?”
“I don’t remember your name.” (I’m terrible with names — and faces)
NeedaChuckle Premium Member almost 5 years ago
A friend of mine will call, actual talking, and we chat, the old fashioned way. Anyhow he will say I guess I’ll be going and then does an encore. That is when I say: “I guess, I’ll let you go then!”
Ignatz Premium Member almost 5 years ago
“I should probably let you go” has been a way to end a conversation since long before social media.
snookdog69 almost 5 years ago
well maybe it is you
Bookworm almost 5 years ago
In workplace meetings, anyone who says, “I’ll say this in conclusion” or “I’ll say this and shut up” really means “I’ve got another 45 minutes to an hour to go.”
Linguist almost 5 years ago
“Stay in touch.”
Translation: "Please don’t call or write for a very, very, very long time!
Radish... almost 5 years ago
Well I’ll let you get back to whatever it was you were doing.
TurbosDad almost 5 years ago
How about: “Have a good one.” “One” what?…
gopher gofer almost 5 years ago
it was so good to see you again
what was your name again…?
Ellis97 almost 5 years ago
Social media can be so confusing.
Kaputnik almost 5 years ago
What is the normal amount of bejeesus in a human body before it is bored, beaten, or otherwise removed from it?
CeceliaWD Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Passive aggressive personality. Own that you are done with the conversation.
Dianne50 almost 5 years ago
Odd, that people get so offended by the phrase, “I should probably let you go.” When I say it, it only means, “I really have to leave you now so I can go to the bathroom.” which, of course, I don’t want to actually say.
Typhoon37 almost 5 years ago
Rat, Rat, Rat
gbars70 almost 5 years ago
I see goat is apparently taking my yesterday’s comment to heart.
zeexenon almost 5 years ago
He didn’t tell her he is Deepthroat?
knight1192a almost 5 years ago
No, no, Rat, you’re boring the ******** out of everyone. Maybe if you were actually smarter.
asrialfeeple almost 5 years ago
TTYL
Mariah Johanna almost 5 years ago
To add to the explanation is that a lot of people are bored the minute they are not the one doing the talking.
Sisyphos almost 5 years ago
Tough swallowing your own medicine, ehh, Rat?
rgcviper almost 5 years ago
The Bejeesus, huh? Now that’s an extreme level of boredom!
Made me laugh.
Goat almost 5 years ago
How are you doing?
Translation: I don’t really give a crap and just want to move on to the next part.