October 31, 2024

Masterclass in Dismissiveness: ‘It Is What It Is’

Jackie Dee

This Cliche Is Ubiquitous, and Annoying

Ah, the classic, typical phrase: “It is what it is.” A true gem of linguistic laziness, perfect for those moments when you want to sound profound without actually saying anything of substance. Instead of offering insight or empathy, it throws up a white flag and surrenders to the chaos of life. Congratulations! You’ve just won the award for Most Unhelpful Response. You know what takes effort? Actual engagement. Acknowledging feelings. Problem-solving. “It is what it is” is the verbal equivalent of shrugging your shoulders while scrolling through your phone. It's lazy and dismissive. It is NOT what it is. Fight!! Find a solution. A real conversation might involve some actual thought — imagine the horror! And let’s not forget how it kills conversations. When you say this, you might as well be saying, “I’m done talking; let’s move on to something less meaningful.” Next time you feel tempted to lean on this tired cliche, consider a little creativity in your response instead. How about something like, “Life’s a mess, I know.” At least it acknowledges the struggle without pretending it’s just a shrug-worthy fact of life. Remember, the next time someone hits you with “It is what it is,” you have every right to roll your eyes and demand a better conversation.

About the author 

Jackie Dee

Jackie Dee is a writer and editor with a background in printing and publishing. She is the founder of Headliners Mission Group, where she leads the launch of an online magazine focused on serving teens in Licking County, Ohio.


Tags


MORE FROM THIS ISSUE

Alfa, Beta, Charlie

“What’s in the Military Alphabet, and Why?” explores the origins, evolution, and importance of the NATO Phonetic Alphabet, tracing its roots from early 20th-century radio communication to its modern role in military and civilian life. Featuring insights from veterans and linguists, the article highlights how standardized phonetic spelling helps reduce communication errors in noisy or multilingual environments. It also explains the alphabet’s practical use in everyday contexts like phone calls and pop culture references, and clarifies common misconceptions about spelling and pronunciation.

Read More

Spike – The Girl Next Door

A chance encounter with an enigmatic girl leads to curiosity, fear, and an unexpected glimpse into her world. It’s a story of judgment, mystery, and the silent struggles of a young woman navigating life on the fringes.

Read More

POEM: Big Brown Eyes

Here’s a heartfelt poem exploring the depth behind “big brown eyes”—the weight of emotions, fears, and unspoken struggles they carry. More than just a gaze, they hold stories, pain, and hope, waiting to be truly seen.

Read More

Attention Licking County Teens ...

Have you ever wanted to share your ideas and thoughts with others? Then Headliners is for YOU.