💬 What’s New? 📰
Introduction
“What’s new?” A mundane phrase with the deceptive allure of fresh headlines. It’s often the conversational equivalent of pressing the reset button, awkwardly escorting us into dialogues as we desperately grasp at any semblance of interesting life events to share.😊
Origin and Usage
Believed to have evolved from the age-old enquiry, “What’s the news?” this term gained traction in the early twentieth century. It became a staple of small talk, giving people a perfect prompt to glance about their personal tales, achievements, or woes.
- Robert M. Pirsig frames what’s new with the eloquence only found in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (1974): “‘What’s new?’ is an interesting and broadening eternal question, but one which, if pursued exclusively, results only in an endless parade of trivia and fashion, the silt of tomorrow.” Imagine your brain purporting silt every time someone queried, “What’s new?” No wonder monks take vows of silence.😆
Similar Terms & Expressions
- How have you been?
- What’s happening?
- What’s going on?
- How’s life?
- How’s it going? (No, we don’t mean travel plans.)
Synonyms
- Any updates?
- What’s been up?
- What’s cooking?
Antonyms
- Nothing to report.
- Same old, same old.
- Nothing new.
Humor-filled Quotes
- “When someone asks you ‘what’s new?’, reply ‘I’m working on turning pro in my January Blues,’ citing this as the hardest season so far.” – Anonymous✨
- “The only problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.” – George Bernard Shaw😜
Related Proverbs
- “Silence is golden.” This is dangerously close when our life’s updates are dry as the Sahara, but hey, always an option.
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig.
- Song: “Hey, What’s New?” by Clarkabelle.
- Poetry: “Days of the New” (A daily muse on the supposed significant events)
- Movie: Groundhog Day – If all days seem essentially the same and it’s getting quite literal.
Educational Insight
Using “What’s new?” can help identify shared interests, build relationships, and ease into deeper conversations when approached thoughtfully. Not to mention it acts as a great icebreaker in unfamiliar social jungles.
Inspirational Farewell
Remember, Yours wont be trivial tales of silt; after each “What’s new?” lays a universe of significance just waiting to be shared. Stay curious, question deeply, and connect genuinely. Until next time, word wanderers!
R. E. Ravenspout October 2023 🖋️
