# will sound stupid if u dont know **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 29, 2005, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541 "2005-12-29T04:18:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2005, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/81 "2005-12-30T14:26:44Z")
Has anyone stopped to consider that **i got the ?'z** ’s native language may _not_ be English? We’re just all assuming he’s a typical lazy teenager who thinks it’s cool to use internet shorthand. But maybe that’s the best he can do in our language. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2005, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/82 "2005-12-30T16:08:10Z")
> [@i have the ?z](#): > > im 17. im from ny… i have this feeling like i am here to do something… i cannot figure out what it is… i know there is something out there more then this more then what i have come to know in my life already > …snip… A lot of what has been said to you already is good advice, such as cleaning up the grammar. If you want to be considered seriously, take yourself seriously, and oh how I wish someone had told me that when I was 17. Let me offer a suggestion. This worked for me, it might not work for you, but it is something to consider. Finish your education; get your college degree and while you are doing so, get some serious training in the martial arts. After you finish college, look at becoming a martial arts instructor. I became one late in my life. I’m 57 now and it is the single most rewarding thing that I do. You probably won’t get rich doing it, but you can make a comfortable living at it. However, I can guarantee that no amount of money can replace the deep satisfaction of knowing that you are changing people’s lives in a positive manner. If you think you might be interested in this, e-mail me: csears AT [WestHoustonATA.com](http://WestHoustonATA.com) and I will try to help you find a good school near where you live. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2005, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/83 "2005-12-30T18:52:08Z")
> [@anyrose](#): > > Has anyone stopped to consider that **i got the ?'z** ’s native language may _not_ be English? We’re just all assuming he’s a typical lazy teenager who thinks it’s cool to use internet shorthand. But maybe that’s the best he can do in our language. I considered that; if he is working in a second language, good for him. He won’t get any better at it by ignoring people trying to help him with it, though (see **Rico’s** excellent post). ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2005, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/84 "2005-12-30T19:04:03Z")
Why do I have the feeling that the OP is going to end up in a cult somewhere? There is no end to people who have the answers. Pat Robertson Fred Phelps Jim Jones (oops too late) Osama Bin Laden What makes you think you have a special purpose? What makes you think that you need to know your special purpose, before you accomplish your special purpose? ---
**Author:** ![nd\_n8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/439d5e/32.png) [@nd\_n8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nd_n8)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2005, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/85 "2005-12-30T19:24:34Z")
> [@featherlou](#): > > This almost sounds like you are recommending having a baby as the cure for the teenage blues. Naaa, getting drunk, failing out of college, having the world slap me on the face with a baseball bat, being knocked around by life, learning the lessons the knocks had to offer, picking myself up dusting myself off and going out to battle the world head on was the cure for my teenage blues and becoming a father was my cure for all of that other stuff 😉 ---
**Author:** ![nd\_n8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/439d5e/32.png) [@nd\_n8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nd_n8)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2005, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/86 "2005-12-30T19:26:13Z")
Forgot to add a YMMV to that, with a line under. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2005, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/87 "2005-12-30T19:37:27Z")
> [@nd\_n8](#): > > **i have the ?z** , if you havn’t abandoned us yet, let me assure you that you are not alone. I remember (“Oh lord, there he goes again”, ::everyone looks at watch:: “time to split, there’s a…turkey, yeah a turkey in the oven”) I remember the first time I had that feeling, it was when I was 12. To this day I can’t tell you exactly what that feeling is but, for me, it went away when I was 27 and held my son for the first time. I looked in his eyes, saw my own and silently wept. That was 9 years ago. I still don’t have the answers but when I look into his eyes I still get the feeling that 11/19/96 was the day I made peace with the inner burden of ?z and was able to look forward and focus on life. I don’t know if this is the right answer for you, everyone has a different path, but I do hope you find what you are looking for before I did, don’t wait 10 years to do it. So you’re saying he should have a son? at 17? are mad!?! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2005, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/88 "2005-12-30T20:29:58Z")
Arbiter of BS doesn’t even make sense. Full marks to **featherlou** , who spoke my opinon of the OP much better than I did. ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2005, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/89 "2005-12-30T20:52:54Z")
> [@Bryan Ekers](#): > > It might be interesting to see the OP’s typing skills gradually improve then tragically collapse, with his final post asking us to put flowers on his pet mouse’s grave. Mr Ekers, I’m gonna be waiting for you up in heaven…with a gun. ---
**Author:** ![Cranky\_Hermit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/13edae/32.png) [@Cranky\_Hermit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cranky_Hermit)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2005, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/90 "2005-12-30T20:53:00Z")
Another vote for communicating with coherence and clarity. I too can sympathize with the OP, but reading ?z’s posts was annoying. Especially when he completely ignored everyone who tried to, mostly quite nicely, instruct him on a better way to get the response he needs. That said, I’m also of the opinion that ?z needs more experience of life in order to get his answers. And by that I don’t mean getting all your answers from other people. Grow up, get out there and do the work (living your life) that’s required for you to gain wisdom. Or don’t. Either way, it’s your life, so it’s up to you to make it worth something. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2005, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/91 "2005-12-30T21:02:50Z")
> [@anyrose](#): > > Has anyone stopped to consider that **i got the ?'z** ’s native language may _not_ be English? We’re just all assuming he’s a typical lazy teenager who thinks it’s cool to use internet shorthand. But maybe that’s the best he can do in our language. It’s conceivable, but he specifically says he’s from “ny”. Not that he _lives_ in “ny”; he’s _from_ there. Reasonable assumption #1: “ny” is in fact New York (a far less likely possibility is Norway). Reasonable assumption #2: Someone from New York (city or state) has either English or Spanish (with English being more likely) as a first language. Both languages have standard rules for capitalization; absent in all the OP’s posts in this thread (which comprise all his posts on this board). On examination, the text has relatively few syntax errors; with verb tenses being incorrect or plural forms mismatched, for example. With just standard formatting and spell-checking, his posts would have their content virtually unchanged. Example: > [@](#): > > i rele appreciate the wisdom…but i dont see the point in not listening tro these feelings…we know soo little about everythingg…who knows what could be possible…maybe i just like to hear myself speak? Tidied up to: > [@](#): > > I really appreciate the wisdom, but I don’t see the point in not listening to these feelings. We know so little about everything, who knows what could be possible? Maybe I just like to hear myself speak? Further, he casually uses and correctly spells lengthy words like “questions”, “conspiracy”, “comedian”, “appreciate” and “listening”. He misspells “resurrection” once (as “ressurection”) in a manner any native English writer might. I think we’ve given him enough slack and more than enough effort. the only reason I’ve gone to _this_ trouble is to challenge your assumption that we’re a bunch of elitist meanies. As a side note, Larry Mudd’s post #35 is by far the cleverest in this thread. ---
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2005, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/92 "2005-12-30T21:23:50Z")
Y’know - I don’t think that \*\*i got the ?'z \*\* has been back around to read his thread. He hasn’t posted in almost 40 hours ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2005, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/93 "2005-12-30T21:31:34Z")
> [@anyrose](#): > > Y’know - I don’t think that \*\*i got the ?'z \*\* has been back around to read his thread. He hasn’t posted in almost 40 hours Well, a bunch of people gave him a bunch of reasonably well-stated answers to his question, so maybe he’s moved on. Plus, the mockery. That can’t help. However, if he doesn’t have a bunch more ?z’s when he comes back, he’ll need to have his name changed… ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2006, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/94 "2006-01-01T05:12:16Z")
> [@eleanorigby](#): > > Arbiter of BS doesn’t even make sense. > > Full marks to **featherlou** , who spoke my opinon of the OP much better than I did. Whee! I got full marks! What did I say again? 😃 Yeah, I don’t think he’s coming back, either. “There are none more ignorant than those who will not learn.” (I think some famous dead person said that.) ---
**Author:** ![BoringDad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ad7895/32.png) [@BoringDad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoringDad)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2006, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/95 "2006-01-01T16:21:34Z")
A question not asked in the browbeating about whether **?z** was treated well or not… It seems to me that the true answer _ **is** _ that’s just teenaged life he’s feeling. Wait a couple of years and he’ll will think back on this time and be glad it’s over. But how likely is it that an angst ridden teenager is going to listen to advice anyway? Haven’t teenagers throughout history felt that they or their generation were special, that old people just didn’t get it, that no-one knew just what they were going through? If _ancient_ people (like 40 year olds) tell him “Oh, yeah, I felt the same way, it goes away when you grow up.”, he may very well roll his eyes and think “Old people just don’t get it, no matter how cool they try to act.” But if he rejects the thoughts given by people he thinks don’t get it, then the only real answer is “Figure it out for yourself.” Which leaves us here to entertain ourselves, free from the **burden of ?z**. ---
**Author:** ![rkts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c4cdca/32.png) [@rkts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rkts)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2006, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/96 "2006-01-01T16:39:20Z")
> [@](#): > > However, you seem to acting in an immature fashion, even for a 17 year old. > [@](#): > > And you’re 17. Your purpose is to sleep 12 hours a day, play video games, try to figure out which is more difficult: calculus II or girls, and eat lots of pizza. > [@](#): > > It seems to me that the true answer is that’s just teenaged life he’s feeling. Wait a couple of years and he’ll will think back on this time and be glad it’s over. But how likely is it that an angst ridden teenager is going to listen to advice anyway? Haven’t teenagers throughout history felt that they or their generation were special, that old people just didn’t get it, that no-one knew just what they were going through? Wow. I feel so loved here. ---
**Author:** ![MikeG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikeg/32/4329_2.png) [@MikeG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeG)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2006, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/97 "2006-01-01T16:47:16Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > Somehow, somewhere, **gaudere** is laughing his ass off… **Gaudere** is a woman btw 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Triskadecamus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b19c9b/32.png) [@Triskadecamus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Triskadecamus)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2006, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/98 "2006-01-01T17:07:35Z")
If you search for the meaning of life on the Internet, you will find the meaning of life on the Internet. Turn off your computer, your TV, your Ipod, and move directly away from all electronic devices until you encounter actual living people that have nothing in common with you. Get to know them. Go out of your way to be kind and good to them. Keep it up for at least the same number of hours that you have spent using electronic devices. Then you will understand your own question. The answer is much harder than that. Good luck. ## Tris “Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” ~ Will Rogers ~ ---
**Author:** ![SSG\_Schwartz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@SSG\_Schwartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SSG_Schwartz)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2006, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/99 "2006-01-01T17:25:16Z")
i have the ?z, your purpose in life is to make a non-comissioned officer a very unhappy man. Go to your local Army recuiting station and tell the recruiter that is your purpose in life. Being in the Army may not answer all of your questions, it may not even clarify your purpose in life, but you will be too damn tired to ask questions such as those you have posted. You will also have the opportunity to punch hole in a sheet of paper 300m away. I know most 17 year old boys like that. ---
**Author:** ![BoringDad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ad7895/32.png) [@BoringDad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoringDad)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2006, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541/100 "2006-01-01T17:34:53Z")
> [@rkts](#): > > Wow. I feel so loved here. Well, I hope that was sarcasm, as my intent was not to give offense. The fact that teenagers see themselves and their own age as special and beyond the knowledge of the aults at the time was not directed at simply today’s teenagers. It applies equally as well to those who were teenagers in the 20’s and the 60’s and the 80’s. It was not intended to be a condemnation, but rather a blanket observation. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-sound-stupid-if-u-dont-know/337541.md?page=4)