Phraseology of the Northern Clack: Arguments

"I know, I know."
- Used as a response to a statement that the utterer should have known to be true before involving himself in the argument. Embarrassment and anxiety at the realization that his previous comments have been based on a false premise cause the speaker to pronounce the phrase as "Inoino."

Example:
"But the earth revolves around the sun."
"Inoino."

The utterance of "I know, I know" is typically followed by the word "but." The utterer then proceeds to increase the scope and intensity of the argument in an attempt to confuse his opponent and assure that everyone involved or in attendance forgets his fundamental lack of knowledge on the subject.

"No. I know."
- Similar to "I know, I know" but with one basic difference. In the case of "No. I know," (the "No" is followed by a 3/4 stop) the speaker agrees with his opponent without actually knowing for certain that the statement he is agreeing with is correct. This can be due to drunkenness, laziness, or learning impairment. It can also be a by-product of a weak will, when the adversary is simply too convincing, charismatic or loud-mouthed to differ with. In 90 per cent of arguments, this is a death blow.

"Yeah."
- Statement most often used by an outside third party who agrees with a statement by one of the combatants but lacks either the willingness or intelligence to enter the fray.

"Yeah, yeah."
- The phrase has two usages.

1. Used most often by the eventual loser of an argument to show disdain for his opponent's comments without being overtly aggressive.

2. Used by the clear winner of an argument when his opponent refuses to accept defeat gracefully, insisting instead on rehashing the same points which were previously contradicted.

"Phhhhhhhhhhhhh…"
- With lips pursed, teeth slightly apart and the tongue resting on the floor of the mouth, this long, slow expulsion of breath may come from the winning or losing side of any argument. When "Yeah, yeah" won't suffice, this action commonly precedes a physical confrontation.

For more Phraseology of the Northern Clack, visit Carmine's site at It was a dark and yadda yadda...

Specific links:

• Phraseology of the Northern Clack
• Phraseology of the Northern Clack, Part II
• Phraseology of the Northern Clack, Part III