MY BAD

The dilution of language over time is as inevitable as the evolution of life itself  (apologies creationists everywhere, but you’re just bloody wrong and you know it, “the world is 6000 years old” my arse………..).

I am fascinated by the variation of English words and origins of key phrases which have mutated over the years due to various influences in the history of the British Isles.  Bum, bugger, spitoon, philanthropist and filth for example.

Alex pointed out to me recently that the word Blighty (Victorian-present era slang phrase for Britain is Old Blighty) originates from the Hindustani word vilāyatī (pronounced bilāti in many Indian dialects and languages) meaning “foreign”.  Considering the colonial influences and also their relevance to our somewhat exotic ancestry I thought this was quite ironic and pretty cool.

That said, one phrase which seems to have creeped over here from the States recently is “My bad”.  People now use it in my office, Optimus Prime says it in the latest Transformers movie and it won’t be long before some opportunist R&B git writes a song called it either (My money’s on Craig David) along with the usual over the top harmonies (eiiii eee eiiii eeee ooooo eeee oooo whooaaaaa whoooaaaaa represent baby, maaaaaah baaaayaaad!) vocals. 

I spent a fair bit of time in the States during my twenties and still love how informal language can be in and around the US, but no matter how much I try I honestly can not stand hearing someone say or even type “My Bad”.  It’s just wrong!!!  WRONG I TELL THEE!!  IT MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL!?!!?

For a start it flipping sounds like the sort of thing Captain Caveman would say (unga bunga!), what’s so wrong about “pardon me” or “excuse me” instead?  I even prefer someone to use “ooops!” instead of my Bad?  No, no, no, no, do it in my presence and you will suffer a fate worse than death. I will most likely moon you.

MY BAD?!?!  STOP IT NOW!