\nFor me, the meme “It is what it is” arrived around 2010. You hear it all the time now, but remembering it’s quite new may be valuable.\n<\/p>\n
\nTypically “It is what it is,” as I’ve heard it, is used to smooth over a situation that’s disappointing. No wonder, in our days of political correctness, that it’s used so often.\n<\/p>\n
Humourously, “It is what it is” can be used offensively or defensively, depending on the role of its stater. When Person A lets Person B down on purpose, then Person B confronts them, Person A will often say the offensive “It is what it is,” meaning “Get off my case – I don’t want to hear it.” <\/p>\n
The defensive “It is what it is” happens when Person C is left to tell Person B that A let them down. (In this case, A has doesn’t even bother admitting it.) Facing the awkwardness of the situation, C finds no other words but “They let you down – it is what it is.”<\/p>\n\n
Both uses are surprisingly common.<\/p>\n
“It is what it is” has gained such vigour, especially since 2000, that it merits more posts. I’m not alone in noticing it; perhaps I’ll share some other bloggers’ ideas about it. There’s lots of road with this one:)<\/p>\nJack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane,<\/a> Campbell River, BC. \n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Self-tutoring about philosophy and psychology: the tutor visits an oft-heard, yet new, meme. For me, the meme “It is what it is” arrived around 2010. You hear it all the time now, but remembering it’s quite new may be valuable. …<\/p>\n