Etymology Journal ยท S
Sorry to bother ya
Meaning
- A polite, slightly apologetic way to interrupt someone. It is often used by someone who is trying to ask for a favor or initiate an unwanted conversation.
Polite, sheepish
Used in a sentence
- Sorry to bother ya, but do you know what time the office closes?
- I am sorry to bother ya, could you help me move this box?
- Sorry to bother ya, but I think you dropped your scarf.
The backstory
This is standard polite English, popularized by the Midwestern tendency to be overly deferential to avoid conflict.
Heard in
Midwest
Vibe check