Much Ado About Nothing
“It’s all good”, I hear it all the time! So much so that it’s enough to drive me to distraction! Even Blind Freddy would agree with me on this one!
So why all the fuss over such an insignificant but popular catch phrase?
Well, it’s quite obvious as it’s said even when things are going down the gurgler. Similar phrases are just as confusing when they’re spiced with a twist. “It’s just another day in Paradise” is another one used when all around is turning to poo!
Unexpected tone of voice and gloomy facial expressions are a sure sign of what really lies behind these catch phrases with a lingering question mark separating the conversationalists.
This can either put an end to social intercourse then and there or tempt the confused listener to burst its bubble to get to the heart of the matter.
We can’t always tell what’s on the mind of others when they blurt these phrases out because the English language is so damn confusing.
No wonder we find it hard to carry on a conversation in the fear of hearing something we don’t want to hear or not knowing what the other half is trying to convey, blank looks and wide open eyes are all that’s left at the end of a one sided conversation.
So why all the fuss over such an insignificant but popular catch phrase?
Well, it’s quite obvious as it’s said even when things are going down the gurgler. Similar phrases are just as confusing when they’re spiced with a twist. “It’s just another day in Paradise” is another one used when all around is turning to poo!
Unexpected tone of voice and gloomy facial expressions are a sure sign of what really lies behind these catch phrases with a lingering question mark separating the conversationalists.
This can either put an end to social intercourse then and there or tempt the confused listener to burst its bubble to get to the heart of the matter.
We can’t always tell what’s on the mind of others when they blurt these phrases out because the English language is so damn confusing.
No wonder we find it hard to carry on a conversation in the fear of hearing something we don’t want to hear or not knowing what the other half is trying to convey, blank looks and wide open eyes are all that’s left at the end of a one sided conversation.
Aussie colloquialisms especially, mystify and bamboozle the better English speaking people that have come here from overseas. English may be the dominant language here, but if you’re a newbie to this country, you better get your head around the Australian language real quick otherwise you will not be a happy little vegemite.
Whether it’s a case of deliberate deception, self-deception or just plan sarcasm it leaves most people with very little doubt that there is more to these catch phrases than meets the eye.
To be continued…
21 comments - care to make one?:
Peter:
Awesome picture. I know what you mean by those catchy sayings. Every culture has them. "Win a few lose a few," "Keep on truckin," "Hope to shout,"Get the lead out," and "Don't let the bedbugs bite" are just a few that come to my mind. There are hundreds of these things--some too cryptic to even attempt an understanding.
Happy trails.
Ahh, but it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick :P
Hi Swubird! I suppose it comes down to our busy lives. With us always on the run trying to get things done, long conversations are few and far between unfortunately.
In order to compensate for this lack of tack, we play cryptic games with our cohorts by using catch phrases and one liners to make up for this, which can leave most with a question mark embedded in their minds for sometime.
With each new generation, more of these catch phrases populate our conversations replacing the tired old ones.
But when it comes down to it, it does keep the mind active trying to work out what others really mean when they replace good conversation with minimalistic tidbits of their everyday thoughts.
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Jayne! At least with a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, you know where you stand!
Take Care,
Peter
Peter:
You are so right.
Happy trails.
THERE ya go.... Now what's a "vegemite," Peter? Is that an Aussie expression or am I just missing what's goin' 'round? :(
I think our overuse of both labels and colloquialisms reveals a general unwillingness and malaise that we subconsciously feel about REAL communication! And I think that probably in most cultures, people hide behind predictable speech conventions. :) It seems we don't really like to know or confront ourselves!
Hi Lynda! I think I'm guilty of using one of those catch phrases that I have written about. So please accept my apologies and let me worm my way out of a embarrassing predicament.
Vegemite, developed in Australia in 1922, is a sandwich spread and one of our most famous cultural icons. It's something I've been eating since I was born.
It's made from leftover brewers' yeast extract, a by-product of beer manufacturing (non-alcoholic additive of course) and various vegetable and spice additives.
It's an acquired taste as it's salty, slightly bitter, and malty with the texture much the same as peanut butter.
Now, my reference to "Happy little vegemite" is a well known catch phrase here. These words come from the lyrics of a song used long ago to spread the word to get everyone to eat it. The song goes like this:
"We're happy little Vegemites, as bright as bright can be. We all enjoy our Vegemite, for breakfast, lunch and tea. Our Mummies say we're growing stronger every single week because we love our Vegemite. We all adore our Vegemite. It puts a rose in every cheek. We're growing stronger every week."
Well that explains that, I hope! Give Vegemite a try if you can find it and let me know what you think of it.
Your comment about these type of catch phrases being used to replace real and meaningful conversation is exactly what I was trying to convey. Well summed up I must say!
Thank you and I hope I didn't bore you too much with the "Happy little vegemite" explanation.
Take Care,
Peter
Loved your thought provoking post and the amazing picture.
It was real fun to read the details about 'Vegemite'.I must say,it's with all of us in Oz to talk so fondly about Vegemite, that even I used to confuse my friends who live in USA.
Heartiest congratulations on completing 30 glorious years of married life.
Would love to visit your site often.
Cheers!!
Hey Peter,
Before I begin my comment: what an awesome Grandpa widget you have on your sidebar!! 95 days, eh? :D
What a magnificent image you used in thi article: it reminds us that nothing is quite what it seems to be.
About the catchy phrases: Pete, at least people on your side try not to throw their problems at you.
If you come to Portugal and ask people how they are doing, they will not sugar-coat the conversation: "So and so! What happens is blah blah blah..." or "I am still breathing despite all the things that are going on right now: [and now they start describing their life" or "I am not well at all: [description of what is going on]"...see what I mean?
Whether we want it or not the Portuguese will always make you listen to things that you wish you wouldn't or hadn't.
I have been reading about Aussie colloquialisms: yah, they are a bit complicated...but I will get there eventually :)! Thank God you sent me that link explaining what most expressions mean.
Have a great weekend, my friend.
Cheers
Hey Peter, whether we converse with or without crazy stupid catch phrases or not, it's all good and whattaya gonna do...... ehh,lol. Love the image, very cool
Well Peter, lets start with the image, as everyone says, it is absolutely beautiful. Did you make it yourself?
And about the phrases, after 35 years I think I am starting finally to understand them, what ever the phrase said I would understand that's what it is, if they say there is always light on the end of the tunnel, there must be a light, lol.
Peter exciting post! Love your musings.
Anna :)
Hi Chatterbox! Love that name and thank you. I read somewhere that they tried to ban Vegemite in the US of A but it failed. If anyone can correct me on the that, they're quite welcome to!
Yes, 30yrs! It went so damn quickly but I hope to get 30 plus more slower years to catch up with everything before I kick the bucket!
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Max! Not too many have voted so far, odd that! But not to worry!
The image suits the post right down to the ground especially with the blank expressions and lifeless eyes.
Now, it sounds like you run into a lot of people that are down in the mouth. Perhaps you caught them at the wrong moment, perhaps! I bet you brighten up their day though!
Anyway, by the time I finish with you, you will be talking like a fair dinkum Aussie! On that, not all us talk like Paul Hogan as in the "Crocodile Dundee" Movie!
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Bob! Yes, what would life be without them, hey? I must admit they do add a bit of spice to our lives. Have you got any of your own unique space quotes like the ones I've been talking about?
What am I gonna do with you? A: Grin and bear it!
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Anna! No I didn't make it. Would have been nice though if I had.
Like some phrases that I have no glue as to what they mean, most times I just, depending on what they're trying to convey, laugh or frown with them. Better safe than sorry, hey?
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Peter,
"The image suits the post right down to the ground especially with the blank expressions and lifeless eyes."
Absolutely!
"Now, it sounds like you run into a lot of people that are down in the mouth. Perhaps you caught them at the wrong moment, perhaps! I bet you brighten up their day though!"
Yes, I have. Hmmm, I think it is a cultural trait, or maybe you are right I "caught them at the wrong moment". lol I try, Pete....I sure try :)!
"Anyway, by the time I finish with you, you will be talking like a fair dinkum Aussie! On that, not all us talk like Paul Hogan as in the "Crocodile Dundee" Movie!"
LOL LOL It will be my pleasure, mate! LOL "Crocodile Dundee" I watched it many times lol...so, not all of you talk like Paul Hogan, eh?
Have a top week!
Cheers
Hey Peter!
I late here, summer and kids...I can visit the south side of town and hear some puns that make me scratch my head. I could only imagine what I'd hear in your neck of the woods.
Off to read your other post...
My young niece is bilingual. She's being raised by an Australian dad and Asian mom. There is an emergence of this kind in households all over the world and it will soon be felt culturally and socially.
Hi The Muse! For us, it's winter and a little kid on the way for our son and his partner. I can't wait to see this little devil all dressed, no matter what sex, in dad's favourite rugby league colors.
Did I just call my son, a dad? The very thought sends happy shivers up and down my backbone!
I'm sure when he rings us on the day of this great event, his first words will be "It's all good" with not a twist in the air!
Take Care,
Peter
Hi BIO and welcome! Yes, multiculturalism is a great bonus here and has gone a long way to building a better Australia for all Australians.
Take Care,
Peter
Hi Max! I'm sure not a day goes by where you don't add a smile to someones face. Here's one back at you :) and again :)
Take Care,
Peter
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