Move over, Samuel Johnson
non·ver·sa·tion (n
n
v
r-s
shn)
n.
- Spoken discourse resulting in nothing substantive.
- (Sometimes unctuous) Pleasantries exchanged to promote the illusion of concern, friendship, or respect, usually followed by a request or body language which pleads reciprocation.
How was your weekend? Good, I need you to… - The majority of communication at one’s job on a given day.
That’s why, when I ask someone “How are you?” or “How was your weekend?” I genuinely expect a response. Nonversation is bullshit.
Comment by Inaya — 11/30/2005 @ 4:46 pm
Same as Tuesday night- I think this is a great word. I like to drive people nuts by giving them thorough answers to their nonversational questions. It makes them impatient and uncomfortable and maybe next time they won’t ask.
Comment by Raggedy Android — 12/1/2005 @ 11:29 am
Ooh. Good idea, RA. I’m going in-depth next time someone asks me how you are. (Except people who I know are genuinely asking me how I am, etc.) In fact, I think I’ll just make up stuff to make them uncomfortable.
“How are you?”
“Pretty good. Except for these cramps. MAN, are they bad today. Hoo doggies. I should probably go find some ibuprofin or Midol or something.”
-or-
“Well, I thought I was doing ok, but I keep hawking up these greenish phlegmy chunks. I can’t remember if that’s a good thing or not. I’m thinking I’ll look it up on the internet and if I can’t find a good answer, I’ll call my doctor.”
Heh. Medical stuff would probably get me out of 3 or 4 more days of nonversation, lest the person asking the inane question be subjected to follow-up.
Comment by czeltic girl — 12/5/2005 @ 5:55 pm
Oooh, I bet I have come across as that, now that I think on it. Good word.
and… Rags, man, that is awesome. Hee hee…
Comment by Loricious — 12/5/2005 @ 6:50 pm