I love collecting idioms. They work so well as shortcuts when talking to people. Here’s a post about a couple of internet memes (yes, I recently learned that a video can be a meme) that show how fun, humorous, and efficient these expressions can be.
Ain't nobody got time for that!
To be sure, the internet age can tend to create inaccurate assumptions. I can’t begin to count how many times I have quoted or referenced a viral video that I have seen on Youtube or Facebook, only to be met with blank stares from family and friends. That was the case with my first example here - a viral video that was created in 2012, after a local news report showed Kimberly "Sweet Brown" Wilkins being interviewed after her apartment building caught fire (said with a strong southern accent).
I thought everyone would by now be familiar with this charming woman and the viral song inspired by her highly-animated interview. But no! When I say, “Ain’t nobody got time for that,” people sometimes look at me like I’ve sprouted a second nose.
But, most importantly, the meme gives me a simple and direct way to express ideas while problem solving in today’s breakneck world (i.e., my business, and my life!).
Speaking of problem solving, the second meme is such a hilarious - and perfect - illustration of 21st century frustrations. Technology is supposed to help make our lives easier, right? But often, technology issues can seem to bring even daily life to a standstill. It’s enough to drive you crazy, sometimes!
Computer says "no..."
Enter British comedy stars David Walliams and Matt Lucas, who through their TV show Little Britain USA, teamed up to share this rib-tickler. When an expression so perfectly nails the angst many share, you just gotta use it liberally!
I make use of “Computer says no” in lots of ways (check out the comments on the above clip to see other examples). For instance: my wonderful 73-year-old friend and I biked to Disney World recently. But, unfortunately for us, due to the outbreak of COVID-19 his favorite quick service spot on property - The Pineapple Pavilion - was closed.
“Disney says no.”
It may sometimes feel like outside forces such as Disney or the internet (or health insurance companies) are controlling our lives. But with expressions like these, it helps me to see the humor in everyday frustrations - and to refuse to allow them to be oppressive!