Etymology Journal · W
Well, that is certainly a choice
Meaning
- This is a polite way of saying someone has made a terrible, baffling, or questionable decision. It suggests you are trying to remain respectful while clearly thinking the person has lost their mind.
Sarcastic, passive-aggressive
Used in a sentence
- So you decided to wear a neon yellow suit to the funeral? Well, that is certainly a choice.
- She put ketchup on her steak at the dinner party. Well, that is certainly a choice.
- Management thinks a five hour meeting on a Friday afternoon is a good idea. Well, that is certainly a choice.
The backstory
This phrase emerged in the early 21st century as a coded way to criticize style or behavior without being explicitly rude. It is a modern linguistic evolution of the classic Southern 'bless your heart' methodology.
Heard in
Nationwide
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