You know how people say, "Congratulations!" when something good happens to them of their own merit, like if they get a raise or something? OK, that was a bit convoluted, but you know why people say congratulations. My point is this: I think sometimes congratulations is too laudatory. (Laudatory? Try again.) My point is this: I think sometimes congratulations is too strong a word. (Better, I guess.) So, when someone does something that is sort of deserving of a congratulations, but not really, I like to do this:
Man: Hey, I got a B- on my exam!
Me: Oh. Congratulation!
Man: Um, don't you mean 'Congratulations'?
Me: No, that accomplishment is not worthy of multiple congratulations. You only get one.
Man: Oh.
Me: Sorry, buddy. Work harder, next time.
Man:
Me:
Man: Well, bye, I guess.
Me: See ya!
I give that story the thumb up.
ReplyDeleteI just won an award at school, and all my students wrote me cards saying congratulations. And I did get a few that just said "Congratulation". I guess you're not alone. And I can't believe I got showed up by a bunch of 5th graders.
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