"No Offense!"

We've all said it at least once in our life (probably). It's not a new thing to say, though it has gotten to be a popular phrase, if not an all too overused phrase. That 2 word thing one says when one does not "mean" to offend someone, yet says something that could be perceived to be offensive nonetheless. "No offense", we say, in hopes of not "offending" the person we are saying "no offense" to.

*ALARM BUZZ* WRONG!

The term "no offense" has got to be one of the most overused and misused catchphrases of the century. After all, why say you mean no offense when you technically DO mean to offend someone, but just at a lesser degree than you hope. "You're ugly - no offense". "No offense, but that was the worst thing I've ever seen". "No offense meant, but you're just not my type". "You're boring - no offense". "No offense, but this show sucks". "No offense, but you really suck at this". "No offense, but your hair is just.. ew". "You're not fit for this kind of stuff - no offense".

I've heard it way too many times in my life. It's been directed towards myself, it's been directed towards others, people I know, people I don't know, offline and/or offline the catchphrase "no offense" can be seen everywhere.

It's....... repulsive, disgusting, and hideously rude!

If you think someone is ugly, you shouldn't say "no offense". Just flat out say it or don't say it at all! If you tell someone they are ugly, you've already told them that, and the damage has already been done. Saying "no offense" will not redeem yourself, nor will it change the opinion of the person receiving the comment. If you think someone is horrible at something, don't tell them "you suck", and then "no offense" in the same sentence, or even conversation for that matter. You should either keep your thoughts & opinions to yourself, or just be genuinely honest and keep it at that, without using the phrase "no offense".

I'm a caucasian guy. If I tell a colored person their color is repulsive, but "no offense meant", should I expect them to say "no offense taken"? NO! I will expect a fist in my face and a resounding "RACIST!" as response to my "non-offensive" comment.

Why would that make a difference? I'm not racist after all, I just happened to think the colored person's color was ugly in that scenario. It doesn't fricking matter if I'm not racist, because if I said something rude or uncalled for, then I've already done damage and offended the person, whether or not that was my pure intention. My opinion does not matter, what matters is how the person received my comment, and how they perceive it.

I may as well be flat-out honest in acknowledging that I more than likely am offending the person, or keep my comments to myself and let things be. It's a lot more sophisticated to say "I personally think your shirt is tacky, and others might say the same - but if you like it then who am I to tell you not to wear it?".

If you say to someone "this food sucks, no offense", then do you expect them to feel hurt or expect them to feel that this one meal in particular is bad but their other meals are good? Instead of saying no offense, be more creative and say "this meal is horrible in my opinion, but your other meals are great", then that lets the person know they failed this time, but that doesn't mean they're a horrible cook.


With that said, I hope we've all learned a valuable lesson - I sure have in hearing this catch phrase used WAY too many times.