All too often, people say things without really understanding what they mean. And based on cultural definitions, they regularly become catchphrases. Some catchphrases are silly when you think about them. For instance, laid back.
Sure, to most, it connotes a cool demeanor. It leads one to believe that the person labeled such is mild-mannered and even-tempered. It does not lend to such thoughts as ambitious, rambunctious, or passionate. I prefer the denotation.
Laid Back is a two word phrase. Let's take each word separately. Laid is the past tense of lay and has about 27 definitions (definition), all of which are rather passive. The object is being acted upon. My favorites are to a) knock or beat down, b) set, place or apply and c) to bury. Interesting right? Back is a noun, a verb and sometimes an adjective (definition). It can mean the rear portion of the body serving to support, to cause to move backward, and/or situated at or near the rear.
Maybe it's me but taken separately, these terms seem to have a negative connotation. I wouldn't want to use them to describe myself, especially if I'm attempting to make a great first impression. Hopefully, the meshing of these two terms will have a sort of oxymoronic effect in the same vein as "seriously funny" and "unbiased opinion." This is clearly confusing. lol
Ironically enough, laid back is defined as relaxed and free from stress (definition). Ehh...not too bad I presume. That knowledge still gives me pause and causes the connotation to morph. I'm now thinking someone is lackadaisical, apathetic and weak minded. According the Urban Dictionary(definition), I'm not too far off the mark. May not be the truth behind each person's use of the phrase, but perception is reality right? We live by our stereotypes because they are built around some small amount of truth. I just hope a pause comes prior to spouting out this term. Next time you hear someone use it, give them a "say what?"
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