Make An Argument (Peeves, Part 3)

Speaking of peeves, there's a word out there which, depending on its usage, I'm not too fond of.

That word?

Whatever.

Used as a pronoun or adjective it's fine, not a problem. It's when someone tosses it into conversation as an interjection, as a conversation ender, it irks me. Example:

"It's didn't happen the way you're saying it. There are several different facts you're leaving out ..."

"Whatever."

That's when I dislike it. 

Because the person saying it in this manner usually falls into one of a few catagories:

1) They're not willing to make an argument to bolster their claim, belief or to take a stand. It's a throwaway response indicating they're done with the subject or the conversation.

2) They're not willing to admit any faulty data or missing information and, again, it's used interjected dismissively.

3) They don't know what they're talking about in the first place. They depend on "whatever" to pooh-pooh the matter at hand with no further comment. Using the word like this, it often takes on a condescending tone.

I maintain if you're not willing to make an argument for what you believe in even in the most mundane of conversations, I don't give any respect to you're resigned use of "whatever." You're figuratively cutting yourself off at the knees and dismissing any accountability to bolster your belief.

It's better you don't say anything at all. At least then you might appear as if you're thinking about it, mulling it over. 

And that I can appreciate.

.......... Ruprecht ( Just STOP using "whatever" already ... )

You'd think the leaves would at least fall off ... right?

Acro-Numbskull

"Damned kids and their stupid acronyms
and emoticons and stuff ..."

Never being one who shies away from looking words up (regardless of someone stating "It doesn't make any difference, Michael" / "Don't waste your time, Michael" / "It'll be too late by the time you do, Michael" / or any-number-of-excuses-aimed-at-getting-me-not-to-do-something-but-because-I'm-too-damned-stubborn-I-do-it-anyway) I came across a post the other day courtesy of one of my "instigator" friends Jan Snipes*.

The post contained the following image:

Curious, I clicked on it. 

Actually, I clicked on it because I'd studied it for a few moments in an attempt to decipher what the word "YOLO" meant. I knew it was an acronym for a phrase or some such but I hadn't a clue what it might be.

I did give several mental college tries though: 

"You ousted Larry once"

"yellow, orange, lemon, orangutan"

"Yo! Lo!" (Some sort of abbreviated greeting?)

"Why (as in the shortened "Y") obfuscate lesser orders?"

I gave up. I knew I wasn't even close.

Accessing the link for the image, I found that by the title ("Student Writes #YOLO On Their Math Quiz, Teacher Has A Legendary Response!"**) and enlargement of the picture it was a throwaway witticism not taken too kindly by the student's professor.

So it was off to the internet to find out what "YOLO" meant.

And discovering its meaning ("You only live once" for those who aren't in the know) it equates to two things for me: The (further) Decline Of Western Civilization and the equivalent of the word "whatever."

Allow me to translate:

If the student had a problem with the assignment, tossing a vapid acronym at it in response served no purpose whatsoever. That's why I state it was a "whatever" acknowledgment to the problem; it was pointless. Unless, of course, it was meant to rouse the ire of the teacher, which it did to some degree by what he/she wrote.

It's The Decline Of Western Civilization once more (as I've touched on many a time) in that if you're going to do something other than complete the problem you should at least propose to make an argument of some sort. Any kind of argument. Or ... here's a thought: How about writing a sincere notation stating you are unable to do the problem and need help?

... but that would be too easy, wouldn't it?


In conclusion, I suppose I should "get with the program" and quit being such an "acro-numbskull" and learn the likes of "YOLO" and other inane verbiage. (Nope ... ain't gonna happen.)

 
* (sometimes unknowing) instigator, thought provocateur
** And come on: "Legendary" ... ??? Really?

.......... Ruprecht ( needs to STOP being so harsh ) 444

Words

Yeah ... there's a difference:

learn
[lurn]
verb (used with object)

1. to acquire knowledge of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience: to learn French; to learn to ski.

2. to become informed of or acquainted with; ascertain: to learn the truth.

inform
[in-fawrm]
verb (used with object)

1. to give or impart knowledge of a fact or circumstance to: He informed them of his arrival.

... but some don't agree ...

whatever
[hwuht-ev-er, hwot-, hwuht-, wuht-, wot-, wuht-]
interjection

10. used to indicate indifference to a state of affairs, situation, previous statement, etc.

......... Ruprecht ( STOP )