The BBC ran the article Whatev-ah… by Tom Geoghegan last week on their website. Even though it is only a week old, I felt like it was more outdated at parts. The article delved into the many meanings of “whatever.”
It's a catch-all response which can mean many things, commonly "I don't care", but also "this is the end of the conversation" or "say what you want, I've got no position on this subject".
Apparently this is just becoming a problem to teachers, as it was being compared to a toddler’s version of “no!” The article suggested that to reduce the whatever reply, people should ask more meaningful questions that give options. Personally, if someone gives me options I am much more apt to actually say “whatever.” Sometimes people are just easy going and do not want to make a definite decision, in which case, whatever sounds like an appropriate reply. Still, I understand that this is common response that has only begun in the 1970s and some people have not accustomed themselves to it while others use it in a stubborn or snotty rhetorical manner as a reply to anything.
One thing I have to mention is how the author described the non-verbal way to communicate whatever—
…fingers and thumbs in a W-shape…
Who still does that?? That was big several years ago, maybe as recent as my middle school years (I am a college senior now), but I have not seen anyone do that for quite some time. This doubled in amusement when I read—
Mr. Thorne believes it will stay in the language, but will no longer be an edgy catchphrase within a year or so.
The W sign with the thumbs and fingers has not been “edgy” or even seen for several years, thus taking away from the appeal of “whatever” that bratty kids feel the need to utilize. I never thought of “whatever” being edgy since it is used now in a number of different contexts. In my opinion, the word is simple reply that the other person can easily comprehend no matter how dim-witted or brilliant he or she may be. Of course the word will run its course, as all vocabulary does, but it has long since been the “edgy” reply that some old school fellows believe it to be. Of course this was also printed in the
2 comments:
I'd have to agree with you, I'm not quite sure as to what all the hype is about over this phrase. I think it's pretty natural for catch phrases or slogans to catch on in certain cultures as everyone would commonly use them. However, the term "whatever" seems silly for someone toss into that realm. I mean, like you had mentioned, if someone does not feel too strongly one way or another, it's "whichever" or "whatever". I don't understand the fuss, I suppose. Good post.
-Sean
I agree with Sean on this one completely, and your post is well stated about the outdated-ness of the "W" sign. Truth be told I think the mighty "W" letter itself is now mostly associated with making fun of the current president George " dub ya" Bush. Also Volkswagen has also recently cashed in on the catchiness of the letter "W" in there mighty germanic accented, and under pronouncing of said letter in their new " hip V "W" dubya" attitude in their recent commercials for the GTI, rabbit, and Jetta's. but for lack of a better closing- "whatever" - good post.
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