Just sayin'

     There's this interesting new phenomenon in our language today. It's this small disclaimer that people put at the end of their statements that allows them to be a little braver in their assertions in a cowardly fashion. When one says Just sayin' it means that she has pointed out a fact that should be obvious to you, a fact that she is going to pretend you don't recognize. She knows deep down that you do recognize this truth and that it was being ignored for a reason, a good reason.  But “just sayin” gives the speaker permission to bring it up because, well, she is “just sayin” and- obvious truth, right?

     The line is often delivered with a tip of the head, sometimes a little shrug and a slightly raised eyebrow, and a Hey, don't kill the messenger kind of look.

     Interestingly, what she is "just sayin'" is actually left unsaid. It slithered silently to the floor between the two of you. It's a hidden snake, a tangled string of words at your feet. 

Example: 

Subject A complains: My leg really hurts from running (a new hobby).

Subject B replies: You may look 30, but you are 42. Just sayin'

Let's break it down:

Obvious fact: "You are 42."

Unsaid: You are too old to be running and I don't feel bad for you.

      Subject A cannot get angry at Subject B for pointing out a fact.  Subject A's only logical response would be “Oh right, I forgot,” thumps head with palm of hand, “ I am 42. Thanks pal. Know anyone who needs some slightly used running shoes?”

      If Subject A gets a little ruffled and asks “What do you mean?” the reply from Subject B is just too easy. “Just that you are 42. I didn't mean anything.” Unable to argue with fact, Subject A backs down. 

     Because picture this, if she did take it further: “That's what you said, but not what you implied.” The snake of unspoken words on the floor glances up, starts to wriggle over to the Subject B, winding its way up her leg. Subject A continues, “You implied that I'm too old to be running.” The snake of strung out words wraps around Subject B's neck. Subject B responses in mock surprise, “That's your interpretation. I was just sayin” The snake turns black and drops to the floor, disintegrates into a cloud of ashes.

     The impression left, but STILL UNSAID is now that Subject A herself must feel that she is too old to be running, since those words came from her mouth. The result of this language breakdown? Confusion, words left unsaid, retorts swallowed, and the general chaos and bad feeling that indirect language often creates.

     According to Urban Dictionary, this phrase originated on MySpace by a popular group called "Open Mind". It is not surprising that this phrase originated on the Internet where the disclaimer-wielding  coward doesn't have to see the hurt look on the receiver's face.

     And the dropped "g"? The dropped subject "I"? This gives it a sassy flavor. "I'm just saying" sounds a little preachy, like Mom-advice. The shortened version allows the speaker to take on a comedic persona. It's all in good fun.     

     But is it? Aren't the comments followed by "just sayin" often a little sharp, hurtful, something you might not say if you couldn't hide behind that clever little disclaimer at the end of it? So next time you are tempted to add "just sayin", think about what you are really saying. You'll save everyone a lot of grief.

Hey.

Just sayin'.

*I used the pronoun "she" here, but I believe both genders may be guilty of this snarky way of getting in a dig.