When I Say 'Jump'

I'm an easy going guy. Really. I don't get riled up about much.

Anxious, well yes. But angry, not so much. I like the idea of being angry, I like listening to angry music and getting that angry groove going. But being actually angry doesn't happen all that often.

One of the things that irritate me to no end is when folks quote things incorrectly.

I'm just as susceptible as the next guy to committing this crime but it still torques me off when I hear some phrase or word used incorrectly (especially by some big fat know it all or in print or on television where an editor should have caught the mistake).

Two favorite loves to hate are: irregardless and incredulous (when used in place of 'incredible.').

Today's hated phrase is: "When I say 'jump,' you say 'how high?'"

Okay so I did some surfing and found that this version is used in Full Metal Jacket; the full quote being:

"Listen up private!!
You will do what i say and when i say!!

When I say "Jump"!!
You say "How high?" got it!!

You're all worthless and weak!!
Now drop and give me 20!!"

Here's the thing: My grandfather used to use this expression and he said:

"When I say 'jump,' you jump before asking how high."

This makes sense to me. This means "you will do as you are told and you will not ask questions."

"When I say 'jump,' you say 'how high?'" is weaker.

And wrong.

What turns of phrase irritate you?

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Photos

www.kalle.com

full metal jacket