The Phrase "Get A Life"

[Swamps]

Two days ago, me and a friend was driving through Warner Robins when a guy drove by us in Mustang with a loud muffler. The driver was driving a little eratic but nothing that could have caused any harm to anyone but himself. As the guy passes through one of the traffic lights, he accelerated loudly and my friend said, "That guy needs to seriously get a life". Puzzled I looked over at him and asked him what do you mean by that and what does that term even really mean. He told me, "Well, he needs to have a social life and stop acting like a fool on the roadway". I agreed with him that he should probably use better caution, but informed him we were unaware of the man's social situation unless my friend knew him personally. He asured me that he did not. Moving on.

Anyone who has participated on a public forum has read someone use the term "Get a Life" at some point or another. With the exception of Wrestling Punks, I have read it on about every forum I have ever lurked upon. From my personal experiances, I have seen this phrase mainly used by trolls who were just trying to get a rise out of everyone for attention or an angry poster/staff member who was tired of dealing with an individual. Now, if you are the troll trying to annoy everyone wouldn't you be the person that needs to "Get a Life"?

Seriously do we really know what another person's social situation is on a forum unless we have met that individual in person? How do we know that person doesn't have a social life?

I've seen people insult other people for the amount of time they spend on a forum and telling them the same get a life speech mentioned beforehand. How do we know that person is only on a forum when he or she is at work bored? Or what if that person has an online business and spends there working hours in front of a computer? Trust me, I wish I were smart enough to have a job like that but when I was born I was given the short end of the stick with computer knowledge. What about those who only use their cell phones to get on forums, such as myself? Trust me, when you are bored at work or sitting in a waiting room, having your cell phone to surf the net really does come in handy. It has got me through some rather long waiting room hours.

Anyway, I apologize for rambling on and on, so why not share your opinions on what you feel the term means and what you think of those who use the term.

 

[Fuji Vice]

Seriously do we really know what another person's social situation is on a forum unless we have met that individual in person? How do we know that person doesn't have a social life?

Of course not, which is why its so hilarious when people try to discern other people's lives AND tell them how to live. I've always found it more amusing than anything else when others attempt to use the old "get a life" expression on a forum when they themselves are on that very forum as well. :

Anyhow, as for the term itself, I'm with you in the sense that I don't really understand the point of using it or what its exact meaning is. Sure its funny to tell someone who's trying to tell you about the latest cards they've added to their Magic: The Gathering collection that they should "get a life" but at the same time why insult them for something they obviously care about? I have a lot of nerdy hobbies and pastimes and I'll be damned if I'd be hypocritical enough to turn it around and try to make someone feel bad for theirs.

In terms of this particular situation though, I don't think the person with the muffler needs to get a life...more like a repo. :

 

[Sabretooth]

My only thoughts is there's no need to look into the meaning : it's not going to change anything, go out enjoy your day, have fun, and don't worry about some dumb expression.


Glad I could help

 

[Postman Dave]

It's in the same category as calling someone "gay" as an insult. It doesn't really have any serious malicious intent behind it. Just a phrase.

 

[Swamps]

My only thoughts is there's no need to look into the meaning : it's not going to change anything, go out enjoy your day, have fun, and don't worry about some dumb expression.


Glad I could help

This thread, like all others, is meant to elicit discussion among members. That is the purpose of "forums".