TiVo Community Forums Archives - I resemble that remark?

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I resemble that remark?
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Posted by: Sarahbelle18

I've noticed a couple a people recently say "I resemble that remark" whenever they are insulted.

I've always thought the correct response would be "I resent that remark"...but these people insist that they mean to say resemble, not resent.

I googled the phrase "resemble that remark" and found lots of people saying it and many trying to correct them with the same thought I had.

Is "I resemble that remark" a correct phrase or should they really mean to say resent?

"Resemblers" and "resenters" please represent!

Posted by: kdaveler

I think resemble is a joke, I think it was a Groucho Marx bit.

Ken

Posted by: Marco

It's a play on words. Sometimes the speaker really means "resent," sometimes it's a concession that the remark has the ring of truth.

Posted by: csyria

I know it's wrong. Rememeer that episode of Good Eats where he made slaws?

The idiot host of the fake show AB was on said "I resemble that remark"

Posted by: Sarahbelle18

I never knew about the Groucho Marx quote...so if used in jest, resemble could be correct?

But if the "resembler" is angry and offended they probably meant to say resent?

Posted by: AJRitz

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.

Posted by: Ereth

I suspect, Sarahbelle, that what you have encountered are people who've heard someone ELSE say the joke "resemble that remark" statement and believe it to be a correct idiom, and so they pick it up and use it without understanding it.

If you actually take offense, then you "resent" that remark. If you take it in jest, you might "resemble" that remark. My family says it all the time in response to humorous barbs flung our way.

Posted by: Sarahbelle18

Thanks Ereth and AJ.

At least I know I'm not going crazy now.

I was really starting to get frustrated not knowing why people were saying that. :D

Posted by: SparkleMotion

quote:
Originally posted by Sarahbelle18
Thanks Ereth and AJ.

At least I know I'm not going crazy now.

I was really starting to get frustrated not knowing why people were saying that. :D

Oh, no...you're STILL going crazy.

It just doesn't have anything to do with this turn of phrase. :p ;) :D

Posted by: Sarahbelle18

Yeah I know...just thought I had a legitimate cause to blame it on.

/sigh

Posted by: dansee

quote:
Originally posted by Sarahbelle18
Yeah I know...just thought I had a legitimate cause to blame it on.

/sigh

Cheer up! You should never underestimate craziness as a legitimate reason for frustration. In fact, I'd rate it as one of the top three time honored causes. ;)

Posted by: Graymalkin

It's an old line by Norm Crosby, who made a career in comedy by mangling the language.

Posted by: rastephens

Kinda like the Lewis Grizzard remark, "I resent that allegation. I resent the allegator!"

Posted by: kdaveler

quote:
Originally posted by Sarahbelle18
Yeah I know...just thought I had a legitimate cause to blame it on.

/sigh

Where is you comedic timing? The was the perfect time to have said:

(all together people) I resemble that remark.

:)

Ken

Posted by: landrumdh

My parents say resemble all the time.

It's a play on words :P