Pet Peeve # 12

[fredericks]

(Courtesy of Webster's Online Dictionary)

Main Entry: catch-22
Pronunciation: -"twen-tE-'tü
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural catch-22's or catch-22s
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: from Catch-22, paradoxical rule in the novel Catch-22 (1961) by Joseph Heller
1 : a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule

[Error: Irreparable invalid markup ('<the [...] you've>') in entry. Owner must fix manually. Raw contents below.]

(Courtesy of <a href="http://www.webster.com">Webster's Online Dictionary</a>)
<blockquote><i><b>Main Entry: catch-22</b>
Pronunciation: -"twen-tE-'tü
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural catch-22's or catch-22s
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: from Catch-22, paradoxical rule in the novel Catch-22 (1961) by Joseph Heller
1 : a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule <the show-business catch-22--no work unless you have an agent, no agent unless you've worked -- Mary Murphy>; also : the circumstance or rule that denies a solution
2 a : an illogical, unreasonable, or senseless situation b : a measure or policy whose effect is the opposite of what was intended c : a situation presenting two equally undesirable alternatives
3 : a hidden difficulty or means of entrapment :
</i></blockquote>
I've noticed more and more people using the term Catch-22. 80% of the time they're using it while talking to me, 60% of those times they're irate customers arguing against some policy I'm trying to enforce, and 99% of the time they're using it incorrectly. What, is it hip to throw the phrase around now? I feel like carrying Heller's book around in my pocket and smacking the offenders with it.

Comments

[gorzo.livejournal.com]

I like the fantasy, but they'd just see it as another "Catch-22." For entertainment, try askin a misuser "Do you know where that phrase comes from?" and immediately launching into some outlandish lie.

Sounds like a plan

[fredericks.livejournal.com]

See, usually by that point ("that point" being the point in time when they break out cute phrases like "Catch-22", "idiotic policies" and "you fucking retard") I'm more prone to violence than to wit.

But your way is a better way to ensure I can come back to a job. Think I'l try it one day.