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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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