I know....right?

Every generation has their slang...we all said them. Phrases that drive adults nuts. In the 50's it was "cool". In the 60's "Peace". In the 70's "Far Out". The 80's welcomed a slew from Valley Girls like "Grody" or "Totally". The 90's brought "How's it hangin'" (of course, I never understood why boys asked girls this question, but I digress). The mighty OO's sprouted "Whasssuuuup". And now....in 2010....a new generation of annoyances for adults. Wait for it....wait for it... the winner is...."I know...right?"

If you've spent more than 10.5 seconds with a tween or teen lately, this phrase runs out of their mouths more than "like" or "OMG" ever will. And it's ten times more annoying. I actually looked it up online, thinking maybe it was just me. Maybe it's not as widely used as I thought. Maybe it's yet another one of Mrs. Tag's pet peeves. But, no. It's more than that. It's an epidemic of epic proportions. Here's what I found when I looked online for some kind of help with understanding whassup with this phrase. Where did I look? The one place I go to get caught up on what kids mean when they say what they say. It's a scary place to be sometimes. And it can be downright disturbing. But it's always on target. Where do I go? you ask. www.urbandictionary.com:

DEFINITION: An affirmation that you agree with or can relate to the preceding statement. It can be used whether the speaker actually knows or not, but in the latter case it usually means that the speaker can attribute the preceding statement to themselves as well.

And if the definition isn't confusing enough, here is a real-life example that prompted this blog:

ME to STUDENT: Jack, you're failing this class.
JACK: I know, right?
ME (trying to set a good example by NOT rolling my eyes): I don't know, do you know? Cuz you're not seeming to understand that you are FAILING the class.
JACK: Mrs. Tag, I know I'm failing, but writing's hard.
ME: So, writing is hard, I understand, but you still need to turn in assignments, Jack.
JACK: I know, right?
ME: *sigh* Okay, Jack, let's try this another way. What are you going to do to be sure to get your assignments turned in.
JACK: [long pause, puppy dog face in full use now]I dunno.
ME: Okay, so if you did know, what would you say? [an aside here: this is a GREAT tactic to use when trying to stop the "I dunnos" from your kids...I dunno why it works, but it does]
JACK: Well, if I did know, I'd say that I would do them at home and ask for help if I need it.
ME: Exactly! So now you have a plan!
JACK: I know, right?
ME: Well, hopefully.
JACK: [bewildered and confused, Jack is gently turned around and prodded toward his seat]

End scene.