As I have told you on several occasions, my friend Sven Lernevall, a resident of Stockholm, often told me that “English is a rich language.” Listening to the President of the United States who speaks extemporaneously, he frequently resorts to the words, “you know.” The fact of the matter is that I don’t know. If I knew, there would be no point in telling me what I already know.
This is simply a time killer while the speaker thinks about a new thought. I believe that the President of the United States is an eloquent speaker and he has no reason to resort to the words “you know.” But when he is speaking extemporaneously, if you listen closely, he will often use the words “you know.”
I do not wish to be on Mr. Obama’s case. He is a very bright person whose wife ought to kick him in the ass every time he uses the words “you know.” The fact is that I don’t know and I am waiting for the President to tell me what I should know. But when he tells me, “you know,” I wish to tell him, “Sir, I don’t know. Will you tell me what I don’t know?”
Now we turn to the second part of this monumental essay. It has to do with the English phrase “on me.” My wife, the venerable Miss Chicka, frequently uses this term. You may not be aware that in my later years, I have all kinds of plumbing devices to help me survive. One of these devices has to do with a tube that carries the fluid away from my body. From time to time, Miss Chicka uses the phrase, “This tube is in the right place but it should not ‘turn on me.’” Again, the “on me” is a superfluous verbiage and in some cases it may be confusing. But this is common usage in this country and I take the phrase “on me” with as much good grace as I can.
Well, that is your English lesson for today. The phrases “you know” and “on me” look like they are here to stay. In particular the phrase “you know” seems to have found a place in the American lexicon. I suppose that this really tells you that in my 92nd year, I have nothing more constructive to do than to observe the speaking habits of the President of the United States and of my wife. As it is, my wife would be lofted to the heady heights of the President and, after all, she has this essay named after her. What more could anyone ask?
E. E. CARR
October 21, 2013
Essay 771
~~~
Kevin’s commentary: When I first read the title of this essay I was pretty baffled. I was trying to figure out some twisted grammatical structure into which that sentence would fit. I came up with none. Pop’s elementary school teacher who he brings up so frequently would frown on such a title.
Anyway, you can find my thoughts on “You know” here: https://ezrasessays.com/?p=1058 and I have very little opinion on “on me,” so this will be a proportionately short commentary. Cheers!