Translations

A song I’ve enjoyed since my adolescence, when I followed and tried to emulate Rick Nelson, asserts, “I believe what you say when you say . . . .” It’s a positive idea that, as you know, doesn’t apply in all situations. When some people say some things, believing them may not be the best choice.

While mulling over this idea recently, I happened upon and read an article in American Scholar (Winter 2005), “Granaries of Language,” by Ilan Stavans. Among many other interesting things, the article talks about how meanings of words develop, are codified and sometimes evolve. (Quite a few words were made up by great writers.)

Being as devoted to words these days as I was to early rock and roll back in the day (full disclosure: I still am), I was drawn to an article about the dictionary.

I’m not about to try to write my own dictionary (or encyclopedia or glossary, the differences being mirky, the referenced article notes), but reading the article did lead me to write about some definitions of a few words and phrases in common use today. We’ve all heard them since before the days of social media, but now all the online chatter makes them almost impossible to avoid.

There are many from which to choose. Here’s a sample.

The word “nobody” often means “I.” And often enough so does “everybody.” You’ve likely heard someone express their own personal negative sentiments, “Nobody likes/thinks/wants to/does thus-and-so.” One also might hear similar acclamations with “everybody.”

Perhaps they think it adds credibility to their opinions if they claim the whole world agrees with them.

“Only in [name of place]” means “is so typical of [name of place.]” It is likely that whatever it is happens other places as well. In fact, people in those places may sometimes say “only in [our local.]”

“I hate to tell you” generally means “I am enjoying telling you.” It could be that prefacing the remark this way may even increase their enjoyment of saying it. I.e., “twisting the knife.”

Closely related is “just saying.” It means, “I’m pretty sure I just put you in your place.”
This one is enhanced by irony, because the speaker is, in fact, doing more than “just saying.” They think they have enlightened you on some important matter and done so eruditely.

Conversely, there’s “you’re right.” Well, not so converse, because it means, “I share that opinion.” Or, “Good for you for agreeing with what I think.”

This is not far removed from “I’m sure.” This can often enough be taken literally. They read it in a reliable source, witnessed it, experienced it first-hand or have similar valid reasons. Yet sometimes a grain or two of salt may be needed when we hear “I’m sure.” It can also mean “I imagine” or “I want to believe.”

You know what? I’m going to go out on a bit of a tangent to wrap up. No, you didn’t know. I didn’t think you did. “You know what?” doesn’t need translating as do the words noted above, but it deserves a comment in this discussion. It’s a way to introduce a new thought when, for some reason, one can’t merely say it straightaway.

Maybe there’s awkwardness involved. I recall an instance when the wrong song was played at a family pool party, and the person in charge tried to cover their embarrassment with an explanation that began, “You know what?”

Sometimes the phrase may be intended to soften the blow of a shocking idea. Or perhaps it’s used to give a mundane idea more gravity.

I fully admit I am doing more than “just saying” these things. I’m venting but also hoping some people might enjoy reading what I had to say. I don’t think “everyone” will, though I don’t know for certain. I wish I could say I’m “sure” that “nobody” will dislike it.