Pop culture: Are we still talking about….

Self-tutoring about evolving ways of communication: the tutor mentions one.

In the 70s and 80s, it seemed to me people in a discussion were always aware of its subject. One speaker could change the subject, but such was always done openly.

Over the last decade, I’ve noticed the question “Are we still talking about [original subject of conversation]?” The idea is that one person has begun talking about what’s really on their mind, while pretending to still be engaged with the original topic of discussion. I see this device used mainly in TV shows. I’m not sure it happens much in real life, but if so, it’s new, as far as I recall.