Catchphrases and the values of them.

There are very few things as annoying and mindless as a catch phrase. The catchphrase shows an intellectual laziness, lack of creativity and a general blandness of self. When used over and over again, generally in a forced method that by no means reflects the situation at hand they become tired and trite. But everyone knows this. So why is the catchphrase so prevalent in our society?

Being able to distinguish one’s self from the masses of otherwise fully customized and “different” fellows, is of most importance in an effort to stay at the top of your respective social ladder. The ability to separate yourself from your peers without ostracizing yourself is the key to popular coolness. The catchphrase is the perfect example of this theory. A unique phrase repeated by an individual over and over again allows a person to differentiate himself while also giving a sense of normalcy and sameness to any situation.

For all of these reasons I have always disliked the catchphrase. Too simple, too easy and plain boring five times into them, But, I can now see the value of a well crafted catch phrase. They allow a person to easily extricate themselves from any number of uncomfortable social and conversational situations with a quick turn of phrase.

In my current profession I find myself in conversations of various inanity and strangeness that all the creativity and effort can not get out off without a strange ending. A fellow colleague of my has a catch phrase, that although annoying to those who work with him, seems to get himself out of the weirdest of conversations with the simple phrase, “Sounds good.” Now, this catchphrase is of the finest and simplest forum – two words, vague meaning and always applicable depending on the tone. Like the other day, some guy at the bar was rambling on about his new divorce and going to Tuscany to find a young girl and just as the creepiness level ratcheted up to an uncomfortable level my colleague gave a quick “Sounds good” and went about his work. Well played I say, well played.

Although I find it tedious and monotonous to listen to through out a day of work, I see its effectiveness throughout the same day. When something is this effective it is hard to argue against it. Maybe it’s my jealousy of a lack of a phrse of my own? Having said that, I am open to suggestions, if anyone has them, for a catch phrase for myself. I want to be different and the same too.

Is yah' good?,