30 April 2016

NJ: A Lack of Onslaught

I moved to New Jersey last July. I was hoping for an onslaught of linguistic curiosities to throw me for a whirl and provide fodder for the blog, but to my surprise, the only linguistic oddity (read: annoyance) that hit me over the head was the incessant use of the phrase “you’re all set?” or “I’m all set.” People use this to mean: “Have you had a chance to review the menu, or do you need more time?” “Do you need gas in your car?” “How’s the project coming?” or “There’s nothing else you can help me with, thank you.” “I’m not interested in seconds; I’ve had enough, thank you.” “I’m ready to go now, please.”

I've not realized that not only is it the pan-answer, it's also the giveaway clue.  This is how you can tell the internet startup you're supporting was founded by a Yankee.  The checkout screen looks like this:
Ugh.