329isms

I am confident that everyday, each of us overhears another person trying to use a big word or a cliche or some idiom, but fail miserably. For instance, instead of "Thinking outside the box" one might say "Thinking around the box." They might even combine statements into elaborately colorful clusterfucks. An perfect example would be, "Lets start off on a clean, fresh foot." Or "That's you, down to a 'T.'"

I have decided to start compiling these tidbits of wisdom and clarity into a category entitled "329isms." This might also include random statements that I feel should be passed on and used on a daily basis. Two such phrases, I overheard today, which, in turn, prompted me to start this collection.

The first statement was said by a man I think was a doctor. After a meeting I had today, this man stood up, addressed the other members of the meeting and said, "Well, I'm off to [enter any city here] to save some lives." Don't you wish you could say that everyday? I wish I could. So I think I will. After a meeting, I'll stand up and say, "Well, I'm off to Chicago to save some lives." It wouldn't matter if I was a janitor or a librarian or a McDonald's worker. It would be perfect.

Another memorable statement was said by my step-son. I asked him if he wanted a couple of slices of pizza for dinner and he said, "How about two?" I laughed and he didn't know why. So from know on, when someone uses vague terms, I will repeat them more concretely. Just to piss people off. "Do you have a few minutes to talk?" "No, sorry, I only have three."

Anyway, here's the list so far. Feel free to send me some more.

• Thinking around the box.
• He's on top of the ball. (combination of He's on the ball and He's at the top of his game)
• He's obliviated. (combination of Oblivious and Obliterated; used to describe someone really trashed)
• The whole kaboodle of wax. (combination of the whole ball of wax and the whole kit and kaboodle.)
• That's you, down to a 'T.' (combination of to a T and down pat, I think?)
• Alphabeticalized
• Discombooberated (instead of discombobulated)
• Would you like a couple of [anything?] response: How about two?
• Well, I'm off to [enter any city here] to save some lives.

I thought there were more.


Here are a few Idiom links:

www.funbrain.com/idioms/

www.geocities.com/Athens/aegean/6720/

www.idiomsite.com/

www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/

www.engrish.com