We see 'em everywhere. Most often we see them imprinted on sweatshirts and T-shirts. Some - like "Really?" - make their point with just a single word. Others, as you'll soon discover, can be a dozen or more words in length, virtually blanketing the front of the sweatshirt or T on which they appear. I'm talking about the literally hundreds of clever little sayings - words of wit and wisdom - that uniquely capture and display the endless range of attitudes of the millions who enjoy wearing their favorite maxims, axioms or adages.
While some of these sayings are meant to be humorous, others philosophical, or sarcastic, some even cautionary, all seem to produce the same dual outcomes: they convey the attitude of the people wearing them, and they make great conversation starters.
I'm sure you have yours, but among my favorites in the category loosely described as Philosophical are...
- It is what it is.
- Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what the hell happened.
- Some days the dragon wins!
When it comes to the countless sayings in the Sarcasm group, these seven words seem to capture it all, at least for me. I'm sure you have your own favorite.
- Sarcasm... just one more service I provide.
When it comes to sayings that hint at Caution, these two - and particularly the latter - have always intrigued me because each contains a large measure of truth...
- If you can't take the heat, don't tickle the dragon.
- Stupid will either hurt you or cost you!
By far the largest and most popular category used to identify these pearls of knowledge is one that's simply called Humor. And because the group is so large, it's difficult to pick just one or two favorites, so let me share several of my personal choices with you...
- I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
- If you met my family you'd understand.
- Contrary to popular belief, no one owes you anything.
- If you can't laugh at yourself, I can!
- To save time, let's assume I know everything.
- I avoid clichés like the plague.
- No! I don't know what's wrong with your computer.
- You have the right to remain silent. Please use it.
- It's really rude to talk while I'm interrupting.
- Crazy might just work.
- Some people say I have a bad attitude. Screw them!
- I never finish anythi...
One of the major benefits of having your favorite attitude displayed as a personal walk-around billboard is that it's not expensive - depending, of course, on where you shop. As I'm sure you have, I've seen "message Ts" sell in upscale stores for $35 or more, then seen the same saying on a comparable T-shirt in a discount store for as little as $7 or $8. Sweatshirts will obviously cost more in both places.
Got a little extra money to spend? Want to show off your creativity? Then create your own memorable phrase as I did a while back, surprising my wife with a saying that fit her to a "T". (Sorry for the pun.) But there are literally dozens of companies online that for less than $20 will create a design from your words, then print and deliver your customized T-shirt in less than a week. It's a fun project worth thinking about.
If you'd like more information on the topic of this article, contact Phil through his website at http://www.PhilGrisolia.com. Phil Grisolia specializes in generating marketing results his clients take to the bank. An award-winning copywriter, syndicated business columnist, executive business coach and respected marketing professor, Phil is also the author of an enlightening new 99¢ ebook titled Shut up and Listen! - 10 Easy Steps Guaranteed to Help You Communicate Better! - available wherever ebooks are sold.
