Whatever........

Whatever...

   When it comes to the English language and communication, I tend to be a traditionalist. Say what you mean and mean what you say. But with email and texting, communication and word meaning  is taking a beating.
   I know that slang has always been part of any culture, probably dating back to the beginning of time. Who does not remember 'groovy' or 'cool'. “Hey man, dressed like that.... where are you from? Podunk?” Or, you must be one of 'the good old boys.'
   Slang continues to emerge as a way to put a 'spin' on meaning and expression. It has moved from the simple 'ain't' to words and expressions I would not include in this article or any article for that matter. Not fit to print!
   However, one only needs to travel the aisles of  WalMart or stand in line at  Wendy's to discover just how far we have come and that is not a positive observation. Remember, I am a traditionalist.
   I recently stood in line behind a family as I waited patiently to place my order for two hamburgers “off the dollar menu.” It was difficult to not listen to the discussion that took place in front of me. If I were going to be their third  grade teacher, I do believe it would be a very interesting year. I was amazed at what came out of the children's mouths.  But then you only needed to listen to the parents to understand. 
   After a heated discussion at the counter, the oldest child of the group, my guess a teenager, stormed off, turned to look at the mother and verbally responding with a loud “whatever.”
   For those not sure, “whatever” is slang term that generally means “whatever you say” or more often, “I don't care what you say.” It's intent is to express  indifference, a “who cares what you say” attitude. Sounds pretty 21st century teenager to me.
   One simple word, grammatically called an interjection I think, has now become a complete sentence.
   The history of “whatever” dates back to the 1980's. Remember the 'valley girls' of  California and their “I don't care” attitude. It was the beginning of a cultural revolution.  When spoken, it was often accompanied while forming a “W” with the hand. Cool! We Americans are so clever.
   In a poll taken by Marist College in 2009-2010, whatever was voted the phrase that was “most annoying in a conversation.” My guess is that the dubious honor may still rank at the top of the list today.
   In defense of it's use, it can often be quite an effective tool. What better way to be a passive-aggressive conversationalist. How simple it is to block having to respond or express an honest thought or opinion. Don't want to talk? “Whatever.”
   What is  exciting about “whatever” are the items you can purchase. There are Whatever T Shirts, clocks, posters, key chains in the shape of a 'W so you don't have to use your hand, book covers (a great idea for school), and computer screen savers.
   I am  concerned about the future of the English language. Will we eventually reach a time when we only communicate in one or two word conversations or flash hand signs to the neighbor who is disposing his garbage over the fence in my backyard.
   Will we reach a point where we will never talk at all?
   So, don't like my column? “Whatever!”