"I resemble that remark"

[Jenn! 918]

When people say this is it some funny reference that I don't understand or are they just getting it wrong? I hear it all the time.

This has been bothering me for quite some time now. Thanks for listening.

[tmma 467]

It irks me no end too. Why do people say that? Do they think it's cute or something? It sounds stupid.

[Marilyn. 340]

When used properly, "I resemble that remark" effectively parries an intended insult. The insult is deflated because the recipient accepts the characterization as accurate. It is particularly effective against those who have the innate need to attempt to "zing" everyone with which they come into contact. By "resembling" rather than "resenting" the zing, you take the fun out of it for the zinger and they move on to other victims.

http://archive.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/h...c/177509-1.html

Used in response to a put-down, turning it on the one dishing out the put-down.

Source: The Three Stooges. Has since been used in countless films and tv shows, including Clerks and Friends.

Snooty Rich Lady: "Murphy, who are those slovenly creatures at the door?"

Murphy the butler: The plumbers, Madam.

Snooty Rich Lady: Well, send them to the servant's entrance. We can't allow rifraff in the front door.

Curly: I Resemble That Remark !

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?...le+That+Remark+

[*JG* 2]

I like to use that saying from time to time.

[Jenn! 918]

Thanks for the links Marilyn, I can't see them at work though.

So did it start with the Three Stooges then? That must be why I don't find it funny.

I hear people say it with a straight face though, and I can't tell if they're trying to be funny or the meaning has become confused.

[Alhamdulillah 0]

I hear people say it with a straight face though, and I can't tell if they're trying to be funny or the meaning has become confused.

That's a possibility.... I hear all kinds of terms/phrases used incorrectly and it bothers me the most when it's from, supposedly, highly educated individuals.

[Marilyn. 340]

Thats why I gave up on Canadian chicks!! If your wife can out fart ya, its time to move,lol (just kidding,lol)

hey, I resemble that remark

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...3&hl=farted

Edited January 25, 2008 by MarilynP

[tmma 467]

When used properly, "I resemble that remark" effectively parries an intended insult. The insult is deflated because the recipient accepts the characterization as accurate. It is particularly effective against those who have the innate need to attempt to "zing" everyone with which they come into contact. By "resembling" rather than "resenting" the zing, you take the fun out of it for the zinger and they move on to other victims.

http://archive.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/h...c/177509-1.html

Used in response to a put-down, turning it on the one dishing out the put-down.

Source: The Three Stooges. Has since been used in countless films and tv shows, including Clerks and Friends.

Snooty Rich Lady: "Murphy, who are those slovenly creatures at the door?"

Murphy the butler: The plumbers, Madam.

Snooty Rich Lady: Well, send them to the servant's entrance. We can't allow rifraff in the front door.

Curly: I Resemble That Remark !

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?...le+That+Remark+

How does that "turn the insult back to the insult giver"? It has the insultee AGREE with the insultor-making the insult not an insult but a statemeent that the insultee is agreeing with. Thus the insultor has not only won by getting to insult, but got the insultee to AGREE with him on it!!

I still do not see how this is a clever turn around of an insult back to the insultor.

I know several less self-deprecating ways do do that without having to AGREE with the insult.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

How does that "turn the insult back to the insult giver"? It has the insultee AGREE with the insultor-making the insult not an insult but a statemeent that the insultee is agreeing with. Thus the insultor has not only won by getting to insult, but got the insultee to AGREE with him on it!!

*head explodes*

[Marilyn. 340]

Thanks for the links Marilyn, I can't see them at work though.

So did it start with the Three Stooges then? That must be why I don't find it funny.

I hear people say it with a straight face though, and I can't tell if they're trying to be funny or the meaning has become confused.

I did quote the pertinent info from the links...

[tmma 467]

How does that "turn the insult back to the insult giver"? It has the insultee AGREE with the insultor-making the insult not an insult but a statemeent that the insultee is agreeing with. Thus the insultor has not only won by getting to insult, but got the insultee to AGREE with him on it!!

*head explodes*

I can draw a diagram...

[Ban Hammer 13,334]

When used properly, "I resemble that remark" effectively parries an intended insult. The insult is deflated because the recipient accepts the characterization as accurate. It is particularly effective against those who have the innate need to attempt to "zing" everyone with which they come into contact. By "resembling" rather than "resenting" the zing, you take the fun out of it for the zinger and they move on to other victims.

http://archive.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/h...c/177509-1.html

Used in response to a put-down, turning it on the one dishing out the put-down.

Source: The Three Stooges. Has since been used in countless films and tv shows, including Clerks and Friends.

Snooty Rich Lady: "Murphy, who are those slovenly creatures at the door?"

Murphy the butler: The plumbers, Madam.

Snooty Rich Lady: Well, send them to the servant's entrance. We can't allow rifraff in the front door.

Curly: I Resemble That Remark !

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?...le+That+Remark+

How does that "turn the insult back to the insult giver"? It has the insultee AGREE with the insultor-making the insult not an insult but a statemeent that the insultee is agreeing with. Thus the insultor has not only won by getting to insult, but got the insultee to AGREE with him on it!!

I still do not see how this is a clever turn around of an insult back to the insultor.

I know several less self-deprecating ways do do that without having to AGREE with the insult.

essentially downplaying the importance of the insult

if you called me a perv, i'd not be insulted

[Marilyn. 340]

it is like saying "yeah thats me and now what are you going to do about it"

Edited January 25, 2008 by MarilynP

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

it is like we are saying "yeah thats me and now what are you going to do about it"

yeah, what-what!

[Sister Fracas 5]

I remember Garfield the cat saying it....

I've only ever heard it used in a funny way. Yes, you are partly agreeing with the "insult", but to me it's lighthearted...a way to be able to laugh at yourself, which I think is healthy.