I Don’t Think So 🤔
“I don’t think so” - a common retort meaning “I don’t agree with what was just stated,” and typically pronounced with marked emphasis on “think.” This twentieth-century gem sprang from an older form, “I don’t think,” emphasized on “don’t,” in the nineteenth century.
📖 Historical Usage: Charles Dickens had it in “Pickwick Papers” (1837): “‘Amiably disposed . . . , ‘I don’t think,’ resumed Mr. Weller, in a tone of moral reproof.”
In recent times, headlines abound:
- Sexual Allegations: “Gore Sexual Assault? I Don’t Think So” (June 28, 2010).
- Financial Advice: “Buy Adobe now? I don’t think so.” (December 17, 2008).
😎 Modern Cool Kid Synonym:
- Not: Often used in the same sentiment, made popular again by “Wayne’s World” (1992). However, its frequent use dates back to a March 30, 1893 issue of Princeton Tiger: “An Historical Parallel—Not.” It gave us one of our fun, snarky retorts before it was cool.
🎬 Movies & Shows to Know
- Saturday Night Live (1989)
- Wayne’s World (1992)
Similar Phrases:
- Not in my book: Not agreeing or approving.
- Over my dead body: Strong objection.
- When pigs fly: Something that will never happen.
📚 Literature & References:
- “Pickwick Papers” by Charles Dickens
- J. E. Lighter’s Language Reviews
🎵 Song Referrals:
- “Numb” by Linkin Park (feeling of disapproval)
- “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore (assertive disagreement)
Quizzes Time! 🧩
Thank you for diving into the modern and historical spats of “I don’t think so.” Language is a living entity, always evolving and keeping us on our toes. Keep questioning, keep learning. As the witty philosopher Groucho Marx brilliantly puts it, “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.”
With curiosity and words, Lexi C. Linguist ✍️
