Hot on the heels of "y'know" "y'know", another epidemical expression springing up in the UK is "I have absolutely no idea", usually said in a haranging tone by officials/help desks/clerks etc who really should have some idea. It is a conversation stopper in the same manner as "no way" from some years back. Whilst it may be a legitimate answer for "what is going to happen in y2k" it is being used in response to any reasonable question thus putting the onus back on the asker and making him feel stupid for enquiring. Is this unfortunate habit spreading to the US (not forgetting Canada!).

BTW hello to all

-- dick of the dale (rdale@coynet.com), April 01, 1999

Answers

Imagine if this same person told you to "have a nice day" . You aint seen nothin yet. Wazzup,Yo? Aaight! What the dilly?

-- KoFE (your@town.USA), April 01, 1999.

At the Winn-Dixie this morning: disgruntled cashier to customer (moi)--"I gotta go pee. Durn, I gotta RIGHT to go pee."

Sir Dick, it's usually "no clue" over here. As in, "What do ya think about Y2K?" "Man, I have no clue." Also as in, "That mechanic has no clue."

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), April 01, 1999.

Dear "Old Git", I thought you were a Brit To have such a nom de plume That you would assume But I think you're "It"

hmmm well I'm rusty

-- dick of the dale (rdale@coynet.com), April 01, 1999.

Richard,

Your complaint, ". . .it is being used in response to any reasonable question thus putting the onus back on the asker and making him feel stupid for enquiring.", is a quite reasonable one, but I would suggest two things: First, that what is appropriate for the asker of a reasonable question in such circumstances is to conclude that he has simply asked the wrong person and second, that a "reasonable" comeback would be, "Oh! Pardon me! It seems that I have mistaken you for someone with a brain. How may I contact your keeper?"

There is a book called, Winning Through Intimidation that should be required reading for anyone who is "pushed around" by snotty officials, clerks, etc.

-- Hardliner (searcher@internet.com), April 01, 1999.