what I mean is, you have heard other people say them and thought, “man this guy/gal is a real jerkoff” yet you realize that the same sentence could apply to you, so you opt not to say it for fear of sounding like the other pompous schmucks you’ve heard proclaim them.
(examples)
I don’t watch television
I don’t eat meat
I only watch A&E or CNN
you guys get the picture.
I don’t tell people what college I attended unless they specifically ask or I’m interviewing for a job. Even when they do ask, I feel a twinge of “you’re being an arrogant jerk” when I tell them.
–sublight.
I usually keep quiet about my college too, except to other researchers. But maybe that’s because I don’t feel worthy of my alma mater. I also keep quiet about the price of the few expensive toys I have, like my bicycles.
Other than that… I can’t think of anything. I guess I really am a snob.
Saying “It is I” or “That’s she.”
I was raised by parents who spoke, and taught me to speak, well, but in casual conversation I get those, “who do you think you are, Shakespeare?” looks all the time when I use one or both of those phrases. Unfortunately it’s like a Texan using “y’all” in Washington society. It comes out before I can think about it.
No, it’s worse than a Texan in Washington. We don’t have a literate person in the White House.
I have the same problem as TV Time. In my case, being a complete bookworm as a child was the culprit. I’ve spent years dumbing down my speech so I’ll fit in better. The odd thing is that I lose that when I get drunk. The drunker I am, the more verbose I become. I’ll use long, sometimes obscure words, when short ones would do.
“Well, actually, I have a degree in music, and…”
I use that training so very rarely (other than to make personal decisions about what I like and dislike), it’s kind of jarring to have to say, yes, I do have some training here.
I hate telling people that I do Karate. I just like to talk about the things I do. I’m not bragging or saying that I could kick your ass. I also don’t like being referred to as “Karate Master” because of it. I’m only a blue belt (2nd belt) for crying out loud.
“Sure, I’ve read (insert name of tome here).”
I have an MBA. Of course, so do a lot of people, but I’m unique in my office. I don’t like to mention it. Unfortunately, one of my bosses always introduces me as “our resident MBA.” Woo-hoo. It’s not like it’s from some spiffy university or anything.
The other one is my volunteer life. I volunteer for an animal organization, and was just appointed to the Board of Directors. I’m bustin’ proud of it (I worked hard to get here), but I haven’t told other volunteers, except those who are close friends. I still refer to it as “The Board” rather than “we” or “us”.
Oh, and Lola? Me, too. Sigh.
Julie
I tend not to like the usual Hollywood fare when it comes to choosing movies to attend. But there sure as hell isn’t a way to say “I don’t like Hollywood movies” without sounding pretentious.
Also, try discussing art in a public place without sounding like an art snob.
“I don’t watch the news on TV–I listen to NPR”. I actually cringed when I heard that come out of my mouth. I didn’t mean to sound snarky, I’ve just never been very impressed with Dan Rather and company.
It’s hard to mention a good SAT score without seeming pretentious.
I’ve got a black belt in Taekwondo, but unless you ask me flat out I won’t admit it…It’s amazing how many people tell you “Show me some.” What am I supposed to do, run around and kick the air shouting for a few minutes?
I’ve never seen Star Wars. Ever. None of them. That doesn’t exactly make me sound pomopous, but you should see the looks I get when I tell people that.
Pomopous? Sigh…
I may be wrong, BUT…
Well, Jesus said —and rightly so…
-Is she ever gonna stop talking?
wife> “Do I look fat is this?”
“Hows my hair look?”
hubby> " UUUUUHHHHHH…???"
-Oh, is it my turn already…?
-"…yeah, yeah, I know EXACTLY where that is…!"
Oh you mean something like"I’ve got the greatest sig line on the board"???
I forgot to click show signiture,Again
Not to start a Great Debate or anything, but I’m seeing kind of a common thread here - intelligent, well-educated, talented people not feeling comfortable with other people knowing they are intelligent well-educated, and talented. What kind of screwed-up, dumbed-down world are we living in where being capable is often viewed as a liability?
I hear ya.
I used to get a lot of “using one of them $2 words, aint’cha?”.
Note: never use the word “pedantic” about your boss, when talking to coworkers. Trust me.