Not Whatnot. What?
Three months ago after three months of persuading, I stopped using the phrase “and/or whatnot”. I think you should do the same.
It’s a saturated affectation that smacks of falsity. A popular turn-of-phrase merely for the sake of seeming aloof. I can understand your desire to cling to “whatnot”, especially if you’ve been using it originally for years. I was once in your boat (sucks I had to row though). I pride myself on having a few off-cycle sayings in my vernacular utility belt, ever-rotating them to maintain a freshness of conversational uniqueness. But somehow “whatnot” overstayed its welcome.
Before I knew what was happening, I was using “whatnot” regularly, simultaneous with every turd around me. My boss, co-workers, brokers, vanmates, unoriginal friends, service industry employees, trite television personalities, homeless ragtags, and all manner of undesirables were using this “and/or whatnot” to add nonchalance to a sentence’s conclusion.
Not everyone who uses it is bad. Some people use it well. You, for instance. But, the associations have become soured, and I implore you to get out before you’re lumped into the lumpy porridge bowl of Everyman USA. No need to be embarrassed, but listen to the world around you and get out of the sheep line.
For those of you who’ve just picked up “whatnot”, you’re too late. There’s a new originality bandwagon. Hop on. If you’re addicted to this new cool (p.s. you’re not listening, it’s not cool anymore), update and expand. Replace “whatnot” with “somesuch”. Or just make something up that sounds like “whatnot”, but’s not.
I cannot stress this enough, I will not stress this enough, stop using “whatnot”. It’s for your own good. I’m looking out, as always, for your best interest, (here is where I’d typically throw in a throw-out joke of adding “or whatnot”, but not anymore - no more predictability … or whatnot) (predictability, like Jesus, is Lord)
2 years ago