“I don’t get you” can mean either, “I didn’t understand what you just said” OR “I don’t understand why you act as you do.” Those statements are more questions than observations. Some people have questioned the value of my blogs. In that sense, both of the meanings for “I don’t get you” apply. Let me try to explain. If you don’t understand what I’m talking about, understand this: much of what I say is “tongue in cheek.” If you don’t understand what that means, I’ll help you even more. History. The phrase “tongue in cheek” originally expressed contempt, but by 1842 had acquired its modern meaning. Early users of the phrase include Sir Walter Scott in his 1828 “The Fair Maid of Perth”. The physical act of putting one’s tongue into one’s cheek once signified contempt. (My tongue is in my cheek as I write this). If you don’t understand why “I act as I do” (the second meaning of “I don’t get you”), its because you take life much too seriously and I don’t. If you have never laughed at any of my blogs, you have more serious issues than I do. Several quotes will sum it all up for you. The first by comic novelist and poet Kingsley Amis says “If you can’t annoy somebody, there is little point in writing.” The second, an anonymous quote, is this: “When people ask me stupid questions, it is my legal obligation to give a sarcastic remark.” 12/9/23
