STAN FREBERG HERE...An Expression I'm Not Comfortable With
Stan Freberg here with a few thoughts on language. "Are you comfortable with that?" "Yeah, I'm comfortable with that." Doesn't that expression sound stupid? Where did it come from? Be right back. [:60 SPOT BREAK]
Freberg again. There's a few expressions being used now that rub me the wrong way. One of them is, "Umm, I'm comfortable with that," or the opposite, "Umm, no, I'm not comfortable with that." These speakers are not referring to different chairs they might have sat in, but rather an idea, a clause in a contract, or a position somebody else may be taking.
No, I'm not comfortable with that expression. Drives me up the wall! I've heard the White House speak of President Clinton's "comfort level," an offshoot of being comfortable. "Check your water and oil?" Fine. "Check your comfort level?" No, thanks!
The other day I heard Governor Christy Whitman say on TV, "No, I'm not comfortable with that plank in the platform." Definitely a psychobabble word. "Comfortable" is what you are when you settle into a big easy chair, or snuggle into bed for the night. How can you be comfortable with a plank in a party platform, or an idea? No, I'm not "comfortable" with that expression.
Ahem, now, Mr. Punjab, I understand you're going to lie down on this bed of nails?
"Yes, I'm comfortable with that."
Stan Freberg here.
Copyright (C)1996, Stan Freberg/Freberg, Ltd. (but not very) Distributed by Dick Brescia Associates and Radio Spirits, Inc.