Have you ever noticed how politicians, or talking heads with the 24-hour news networks, like to use metaphors and analogies? They try (emphasis on “try”) to paint pictures with words, or create a “word salad” — which is one of their favorite terms for describing politicians’ speaking habits or techniques for not answering questions.
My favorite example of their use of metaphors is “sucks all the oxygen out of the room.” When I first heard this term, which was back in the 90’s, I thought it hilarious, a uniquely descriptive term for describing a bigger-than-life personality. It was in reference to Bill Clinton, how he commanded everyone’s attention the minute he walked into a room. All eyes turned to him. He had, and still does have, a magnetic personality.
Nowadays, “sucks all the oxygen out of the room” is way overused (i.e. for Donald Trump and Chris Christie). Hillary Clinton, Bill’s wife, and the top contender for the democratic presidential nomination, has matriculated from being “too polarizing” eight years ago, to “sucks all the oxygen out of the room” — a major promotion.
“Kick the can down the road” is another of my favorites. I would think congress might get tired of scuffing their shoes, and try putting a shine on their toes by actually passing some meaningful legislation. But that’s asking a lot.
Then there’s the “double edged sword,” the “slippery slope” and “all the chickens coming home to roost.” You hear about the “pot calling the kettle black,” “no honor amongst thieves” and, one of Chuck Grassley’s favorite farm-boy sayings, “God willing and the creek don’t rise.”
I spend a lot of time in a car listening to this banter. I have a notebook/calendar beside me on the car seat and write this stuff down as I hear it. “If you’re going to swing, swing for the fence.” He/she runs on a “different set of tracks.” See “the light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s not a train.”
Where does this homespun verbiage come from? Is there a book of pithy sayings? Do advisers coach politicians on jargon that will appeal to the electorate?
Ginnie and I listen to “Morning Joe” for our get-the-day-started buzz. When I heard “Fight with a pig and you both get dirty, but the pig likes it,” I about choked on my orange juice. (I’ll let you guess who they were talking about.) “Never punch down,” “counter punch” and “outflank” are tossed about like bread crumbs on water. Are we fish?
There are a lot of sports analogies: "third and long," "punt" and "hail Mary," as well as computer/technological/internet references: "Isis three-point-oh," "hit the pause button" or "lost in cyberspace." The double speak continues. "Bombing Isis is like spilling mercury. It just spreads." There are "on ramps" and "off ramps," "political food fights" and "fluid situations." When I hear "fluid situation," I think about my dad's Buick. It had fluid drive.
What I'm waiting for are parables. Recently I heard where Russia is "wedded" to France.
Seems like the parable of the Wedding Feast should follow. Who will be the ill-attired guest?
"Read my lips," "...many are invited, but few are chosen."
Contact Curt Swarm at 319-217-0526 or curtswarm@yahoo.com.