WHATEVER SAYS IT ALL OR NOTHING AT ALL

I suppose it all began with Alicia Silverstone, Reese Witherspoon, or Lindsay Lohan. Maybe Shel Silverstein. I don't know, I get them all mixed up. But it seems to me that, "Whatever," accompanied by eye rolling was first popularized by one of those listed in a Clueless-type movie.

It was picked up by high school girls who used it the same way back in the late 90's. Then it transgendured to the guys, said flippantly, and preceeded by Yeah.

Of course, additions such as You say, expletive(s). The meanings are basically the same.

Back in the 80's, it was "Really." Not intoned with a question. Just really. Which meant, I agree completely with that or whatever (no pun here) you say (also used today in current vogue modified to Whatever he/she said), or are likely to say now or in the future.

My five, soon to be six year old grandson has picked up Whatever. He says it cooler than anyone. I know he got it from his eight, almost nine year old sister. But when he says it with authority, he means, I couldn't care less. Or is it I could care less? But that' s for another blog.

I promise to stretch it out so you won't think of me too much as a former English teacher hooked on Eats Shoots and Leaves.