Malarkey and then some
HUH? What's up with that? is a way to express my disbelief at how older people are often times treated by younger citizens. It's also a phrase I use when I can't believe what was just said or don't want to believe my own eyes. In other words, it's fun to laugh at some of the absurdities of life. There are so many times senior citizens are laughed at because of old-school language or choice of words. Such is the case of our former vice president.
Joe Biden has begun his latest campaign tour in a bus with his campaign slogan #NoMalarkey. It didn't take long for pundits, comedians, and critics to make fun of the politician because of his choice of words. Why? Probably lots of reasons, but one of the main ones is that no one under the age of 50 would ever use the word malarkey! The Oxford English Dictionary says malarkey was first used in 1929 and could be Irish or Greek in origin. Unfortunately for Mr. Biden, the usage of the term casts him in a negative light and furthers the notion that he is old and therefore incapable of embracing or originating contemporary ideas. His constituency is considered much older than followers of 78 year old Bernie Sanders or 70 year old Elizabeth Warren's for that matter. Warren and Sanders embrace much more liberal ideas and therefore are far more appealing to young voters. Plus, neither one of them have been heard to utter the word malarkey! As my son told me, Biden might as well paint I'M OLD on his bus. But, there is another side to the story!
Mr. Biden has little hope of capturing 25 year old voters, at least not in the numbers he would need to form a broad across-the-board voter base. A large number of his followers all understand the word malarkey because they are in his age range. They like him because he tends to be more middle-of-the-road and they share his values. Like any politician, Mr. Biden's most devoted fans are people who think as he does. Should he be berated, pummeled, flogged, slapped down, castigated or derided by younger people for using malarkey? Bummer, far out, foxy, gimme some skin, hippy, old lady, and can you dig it? are all words and phrases from the '60s. I still use bummer as a way to express disappointment. Does using that word make me seem older to younger people? Maybe. If Mr. Sanders or Mrs. Warren had started a #NoMalarkey bus tour, would it be viewed through the same lens as Mr. Biden's venture? Or, would it be considered cool?
It is documented on video that Mr. Biden constantly utilized the word malarkey throughout the last 20 years of his political life. It has been ingrained in his debates, speeches and press conferences. Clearly #NoMalarkey was not an accident. Although it fails to define an agenda, it is unmistakable in its intent. And, it does make a point, but unfortunately it is only appreciated by those who stand with him. While it is clear no malarkey is a euphemism, it is not as clear why he chose to use the word as a brand. Good or bad Mr. Biden is stuck with the image his new brand portrays. As a famous writer said, All the world is a stage and each must play a part. Malarkey or not, political speeches are just performances. Oh, FIDDLESTICKS! HUH? What's up with that?
HUH? What's up with that? is a way to express my disbelief at how older people are often times treated by younger citizens. It's also a phrase I use when I can't believe what was just said or don't want to believe my own eyes. In other words, it's fun to laugh at some of the absurdities of life. There are so many times senior citizens are laughed at because of old-school language or choice of words. Such is the case of our former vice president.
Joe Biden has begun his latest campaign tour in a bus with his campaign slogan #NoMalarkey. It didn't take long for pundits, comedians, and critics to make fun of the politician because of his choice of words. Why? Probably lots of reasons, but one of the main ones is that no one under the age of 50 would ever use the word malarkey! The Oxford English Dictionary says malarkey was first used in 1929 and could be Irish or Greek in origin. Unfortunately for Mr. Biden, the usage of the term casts him in a negative light and furthers the notion that he is old and therefore incapable of embracing or originating contemporary ideas. His constituency is considered much older than followers of 78 year old Bernie Sanders or 70 year old Elizabeth Warren's for that matter. Warren and Sanders embrace much more liberal ideas and therefore are far more appealing to young voters. Plus, neither one of them have been heard to utter the word malarkey! As my son told me, Biden might as well paint I'M OLD on his bus. But, there is another side to the story!
Mr. Biden has little hope of capturing 25 year old voters, at least not in the numbers he would need to form a broad across-the-board voter base. A large number of his followers all understand the word malarkey because they are in his age range. They like him because he tends to be more middle-of-the-road and they share his values. Like any politician, Mr. Biden's most devoted fans are people who think as he does. Should he be berated, pummeled, flogged, slapped down, castigated or derided by younger people for using malarkey? Bummer, far out, foxy, gimme some skin, hippy, old lady, and can you dig it? are all words and phrases from the '60s. I still use bummer as a way to express disappointment. Does using that word make me seem older to younger people? Maybe. If Mr. Sanders or Mrs. Warren had started a #NoMalarkey bus tour, would it be viewed through the same lens as Mr. Biden's venture? Or, would it be considered cool?
It is documented on video that Mr. Biden constantly utilized the word malarkey throughout the last 20 years of his political life. It has been ingrained in his debates, speeches and press conferences. Clearly #NoMalarkey was not an accident. Although it fails to define an agenda, it is unmistakable in its intent. And, it does make a point, but unfortunately it is only appreciated by those who stand with him. While it is clear no malarkey is a euphemism, it is not as clear why he chose to use the word as a brand. Good or bad Mr. Biden is stuck with the image his new brand portrays. As a famous writer said, All the world is a stage and each must play a part. Malarkey or not, political speeches are just performances. Oh, FIDDLESTICKS! HUH? What's up with that?
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