Things I Hate, pt. X

"It is what it is."

That, or some variant thereof, is perhaps my most hated phrase in the entire English language.

Long, complicated story behind that one; don't feel like getting into it. Just griping.

Comments

[Noclipper]

Well, that's something.

[MrAlterad]

Does that also include: 'What happens, happens.'?

[RK_Striker_JK_5]

I hate that phrase, too. So defeatist.

[JonOfEquestria]

Mine's 'let's just say'. If you want to tell me something, just tell me! Especially if you're briefing me on something and want a decision...

[TrackingTarget]

I hate "the customer is always right" a lot more, personally.

[Impossible Numbers]

3571737

Yet, if you say that phrase after defeating something which, had it defeated you would have made you defeatist, it then contains badass irony. "It is what it is."

[KwirkyJ]

Given the timely nature of this post with American Turkey Day having just ended, I am compelled to introduce this into the conversation:

While I can understand why the phrase 'it is what it is' might be irksome -- suggesting that a thing is impossible or unworthy of the effort to change -- there is an essence of "zen" found in the phrase that can teach to accept and manage things without bias. The phrase can turn from defeatism to an observation or a koan.

Though the truly "zen" thing to do would be to accept it quietly and not impose that thinking on others... if it's zen, it isn't said; if it's said, it isn't zen.

[GreyGuardPony]

.....Are you actually my father?

Because he did a rant about this exact same phrase not more than two days ago! I'm onto this universe, messing with my head with stuff like this.

[vazak]

I sympathise, its basically just a way osfshrugging off problems, usually other people's, as unchangeable or facts of life.