Here’s a challenge: what’s the most insincere phrase you encounter on a regular basis?
My entry: “I/we apologize for any inconvenience” usually stated by a company or a bureaucrat. Quite frankly, I am guessing that roughly 99% of persons who use that phrase don’t give a rat’s posterior about my inconvenience and really use the phrase as a polite way of saying “that’s the way it is, so live with it.”
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This is something I say, usually when objecting to something in a conversation.
“I’m sorry, but (state strong disagreement here).”
As a friend of mine pointed out, I’m really NOT sorry when I say this. I know other people do this as well.
Comment by B. Minich — Wednesday, October 10, 2024 @ 3:40 pm
Now that I live in the South, I’d say the phrase has to be “bless his heart,” which actually means something closer to “damn him to Hell.”
Comment by Richard Scott Nokes — Wednesday, October 10, 2024 @ 3:51 pm
“We appreciate your business” — If they appreciate my business so much why i’m on freaking hold so long???
Comment by amanda — Wednesday, October 10, 2024 @ 3:52 pm
To be honest, it might have to be “to be honest.”
Comment by Greg Weeks — Wednesday, October 10, 2024 @ 4:26 pm
What about: “I didn’t mean to” coming from a child that obviously meant to do whatever he just did.
Comment by Jan — Wednesday, October 10, 2024 @ 6:41 pm
My favorite insincere phrase: “Due to unusually high call volume, a customer service agent will be with you in 15 minutes.”
There is no excuse for “unusually high call volumes” since these are easily predicted using simple computer programs. It is just an excuse not to have to hire enough workers to keep you from being put on hold.
Comment by Ratoe — Wednesday, October 10, 2024 @ 8:25 pm