Reader comments: 'No idea' vs. 'Don't know'
15 comments | Read story
MY FAVORITE | 7:33 a.m. May 16, 2008
Don't you also just love it when after paying for your purchase, the kid behind the counter says "No Problem."?
What a waste | 7:54 a.m. May 16, 2008
Someone thought this topic was important enough to write a letter to the editor. I'm saddened to think that with all the real problems in the world someone would care about this.
I have no idea why someone would even complain about it.
I have no idea why someone would even complain about it.
Comments continue below
liberal larry | 7:58 a.m. May 16, 2008
Good observation, I think it is very passive aggressive for someone to through a question back at you in that manner. Especially when the person asked is in a position where they should, and could,, be more helpful.
Chad | 8:12 a.m. May 16, 2008
...and the relevance of this whole topic is....
it is a colloquialism...simply another way of putting a common thought or idea. I have no idea why this would be a topic of interest or concern and I do not know why anyone would write a letter to the editor to talk about it.
it is a colloquialism...simply another way of putting a common thought or idea. I have no idea why this would be a topic of interest or concern and I do not know why anyone would write a letter to the editor to talk about it.
Earl | 8:25 a.m. May 16, 2008
Ok, I'll join in on this perfectly frivolous conversation. Whenever I use the phrase "I have no clue," it's because I feel totally inadequate in offering a response. There is nothing condescending or dismissive at all in my attitude. On the contrary, it's because I feel embarrassed for being so clueless about the subject.
Lewt | 9:53 a.m. May 16, 2008
I have no clue why this letter was printed.
Joe Moe | 10:40 a.m. May 16, 2008
I have no idea, Sharon.
Jon W. | 10:49 a.m. May 16, 2008
The ability to express the same concept through different words enriches the English language. One of the premises of George Orwell's classic "1984" was that by limiting the number of ways to express ideas, the government could also limit the number of independent thoughts.
Shak | 11:53 a.m. May 16, 2008
Forsooth, many of own machinations brilliantly constructed never sees the printed page. Hows come this?
wrz | 11:57 a.m. May 16, 2008
If you're having anxiety attacks about it just use "Beats me."
:-) | 1:43 p.m. May 16, 2008
Like, whatever!
l | 3:25 p.m. May 16, 2008
no tengo ni idea
Anonymous | 3:54 p.m. May 16, 2008
More and more like a ward newsletter every day
teacher | 5:00 p.m. May 16, 2008
This has been my observation with teenagers; some of them study and generally understand their subject matter, but are unable to absolutely guarantee their answers and therefore "don't know"
Some of my students just plain "have no idea"...no matter the question or the subject matter. Unfortunately, those clueless individuals are becoming more the norm, thus "I have no idea" is probably a more accurate answer.
Some of my students just plain "have no idea"...no matter the question or the subject matter. Unfortunately, those clueless individuals are becoming more the norm, thus "I have no idea" is probably a more accurate answer.
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Not having a clue then implies not only a lack of knowledge but nothing on which to even base a guess and a sense of hopelessness. But you are right; "I have no clue" is usually overly dramatic for most circumstances and is often used in a condescending and dismissive manner.