Catchphrases... yes, I am bovvered
EVERYBODY loves a catchphrase, except, possibly, those with whom they are associated. Take Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne. He was dumped on Twitter the other day by girlfriend Michelle Evans, who tweeted: “Leopards don’t change had to end it today @duncanbannatyne I’m out!”
Ms Evans, who reportedly broke off the relationship after the entrepreneur was pictured leaving a restaurant with another woman, just couldn’t resist adding those final two words. Few of us could.
A catchphrase is defined in Chambers Dictionary as “a phrase that becomes popular and is much repeated; a slogan”.
If the catchphrase is one of your own, you might feel obligated to use it at every opportunity; it would be expected of you. How often, for example, did Magnus Magnusson, when asked by a waiter whether his meal was acceptable, reply: “I’ve started, so I’ve finished”? When Arnold Schwarzenegger opens the back door to take the bins to the bottom of the drive, does he utter a reassuring “I’ll be back” to the wife? Does Richard Wilson say “I don’t believe it” whenever he asks for directions?
Of course, as in the case of Mr Bannatyne, your own catchphrases can often be used against you. How many times does Robert De Niro phone a utility company, only for the anonymous wag in the call centre to say: “You talkin’ to me?” I’ll bet Paul Daniels can’t buy a sausage roll in Greggs without someone saying: “You’ll like this ... not a lot, but you’ll like it.”And how many times a day does someone approach Bruce Forsyth with the words “Nice to see you, to see you ... nice”? Must be annoying when it’s a traffic warden.
Some people, though, take catchphrases to extremes and pepper their conversation with them. The neighbour’s lad – he seems like a nice boy – does it all the time (he probably takes after his mum. The poor kid never shuts the gate properly; she’s always yelling “Bernie, the bolt” at him.)
Well, listen very carefully, I shall say this only once: not me. Sufferin’ succotash, the habit annoys me enormously. I am going to give it up. This parroting will be no more. It will cease to be. I have a cunning plan. If ever I find myself using one, I’m going to put a pound in a swear box. Lovely jubbly, I’m thinking.
Will it work, though? Having asked around the office, our survey says: Uh uhhh.
Ah, well. Goodnight, and may your god go with you.
‘‘ Duncan Bannatyne was dumped on Twitter by girlfriend Michelle Evans, who tweeted: ‘I’m out!’