Home » Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Discussion Forum (Archived)

Please consider registering
Guest
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Min search length: 3 characters / Max search length: 84 characters
The forums are currently locked and only available for read only access
sp_TopicIcon
That's a definite maybe.
Guest
1
2016/05/07 - 6:21pm

Just read this phrase in a reputable magazine and was reminded of an incident from a few years ago ...

A friend asked me a question about my availability for an event. My response was "That's a definite maybe." He reacted like I'd violated some rule of grammar or conversation, and was offended by my "lack of commitment."

Made perfect sense to me though, since my intent was to convey "I won't say no, but ... etc." so I just went with what seemed to me to be the logical equivalent, but a helluvalot more concise. It apparently made no sense to my friend (even after I explained myself).

My question is whether anyone else has heard this, used it, is comfortable with it, or has a better phrase with the equivalent meaning.

Guest
2
2016/05/09 - 12:07pm

I have certainly used the phrase, sparsely, for many years, sometimes varying the adjective to something like emphatic. It can mean: "That's a very good question, which I cannot possibly answer."; or "Too many variables at this time; circumstances will determine."; or "That is none of your concern." It is useful, to my mind clear, and I am quite comfortable with it. To be sure, I can see see how it might be disconcerting to some people, but sometimes that's where the fun is.

Guest
3
2016/05/10 - 12:51am

You probably have all the logics on your side Dan.  But are most us earthlings logical creatures as a rule?

You should get whole ranges of reactions.  If your listener is in the right mood, they would  follow up to probe for profound meanings.  If they're short fused, they might think you are messing with their head.  If they are prospective employer wanting to know what you think of the job, there go any chances of any call back.   

Forum Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
Show Stats
Administrators:
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Moderators:
Grant Barrett
Top Posters:
Newest Members:
Mike Brock
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 1
Topics: 3647
Posts: 18912

 

Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 618
Members: 1266
Moderators: 1
Admins: 2
Most Users Ever Online: 1147
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 53
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)