SO<\/b>, I really hate that the use of \u201cSO\u201d<\/b> has multiplied and invaded our everyday conversation. I noticed the overuse of it in 2015, which means the trend started much sooner, since like most men, and all old coots, I\u2019m not very observant. (New curtains? When did we get them? A YEAR AGO, DEAR!) <\/p>\n
I wrote about it in my typical old coot cranky fashion, focusing on its use by \u201cintellectuals\u201d when interviewed on TV or radio. They started every response with SO<\/b>. Since then, I\u2019ve watched it (heard it actually, since it\u2019s a speaking phenomenon for the most part) become a standard start to a comment. Worse yet, I now find myself not only saying it, but also using it to start sentences when I write.<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t know how it transitioned from a \u201cconnection\u201d word, as in \u201cI ate more than I should have, SO<\/b> now I have a stomach ache,\u201d to an introductory word, \u201cSO<\/b>, I wonder if you can tell me a good place around here to get lunch?\u201d <\/p>\n
The once dominant sentence starter, \u201cThe,\u201d has been pushed aside. \u201cThe boy went to school early\u201d is now, \u201cSo, the boy went to school early.\u201d <\/p>\n
But, enough about SO.<\/b> When I bring up the subject, all I get in reply, aside from a groan, is, \u201cSo what!\u201d A valid response, something that many people say to me about my complaints. <\/p>\n
I think I\u2019m on firmer ground with the overuse of \u201cLIKE.\u201d Grownups have been complaining about it for years, saying that today\u2019s young people sound illiterate because they use it so often in conversation. <\/p>\n
I was peppered with it a few weeks ago, walking down from the summit of Mount Lafayette in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I was totally exhausted from hiking up the mountain, so I descended at a snail\u2019s pace, afraid I might trip and do some serious damage to my 3\/4-century old physical structure. I was followed by two, twenty-something young women and a slightly older young man. He asked questions and the \u201cgirls\u201d replied with an excessive number of \u201cLIKES.\u201d It became painful. Each LIKE hit my ears LIKE a stab from an ice pick. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you going to do when you get home,\u201d the guy asked. The first responder \u2013 \u201cI hope my mom will be LIKE gone, so I can LIKE get these grubby clothes in the washer LIKE before she can LIKE yell at me for getting them LIKE so dirty. The conversation dribbling down on me from behind went on for the entire three-hour descent. <\/p>\n
I stopped to let them pass on numerous occasions, but each time they declined, saying they liked my slow rate of descent. I guess I should have said, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you guys LIKE go ahead; you don\u2019t LIKE want an old man slowing you LIKE down.\u201d <\/p>\n
Had I, then they might have understood what I was saying and skipped on by, taking their LIKES with them. <\/p>\n
I wanted to confront them about their use of LIKE and give them some old coot advice: \u201cYou need to be aware that you say \u201cLIKE\u201d way too often and break the habit! I bet you don\u2019t know you do it.\u201d <\/p>\n
They recently graduated from college and were trying to get jobs, something I overheard them discuss as we came down the mountain. \u201cYour habit will limit your job opportunities and chances for promotion.\u201d Maybe I did say it! Probably so. I never know. It\u2019s one of the challenges of being an old coot; the filter between our brain and mouth is defective and we sometimes are surprised when told what we\u2019ve said. <\/p>\n
Anyhow, they did pass me at the bottom of the trail when it became flatter and widened out, giving me a dirty look as they went by. SO, LIKE that\u2019s it. Not really anything LIKE monumental to LIKE complain about, just an old coot\u2019s LIKE rant for the week. <\/p>\n