it is what it is, Monty Python division

[RonButters at AOL.COM]

Is this a parody of literary theory, or just academics in general?

In a message dated 2/25/06 10:58:57 AM, zwicky at CSLI.STANFORD.EDU writes:


> from All the Words, vol. 2, pp. 118-9:
> 
> Miss Elk  Oh, what is my theory?
> 
> Presenter  Yes.
> 
> Miss Elk  Oh what is my theory that it is.  Well Chris you may well
> ask me what is my theory.
> 
> Presenter  I _am_ asking.
> 
> Miss Elk   Good for you.  My word yes.  Well Chris, what is it that
> it is -- this theory of mine.  Well, this is what it is -- my theory
> that I have, that is to say, which is mine, is mine.
> 
> Presenter (beginning to show signs of exasperation)  Yes, I know it's
> yours, what is it?
> 
> Miss Elk  Where?  Oh, what is my theory?  This is it.  (clears throat
> at some length)  My theory that belongs to me is as follows.  (clears
> throat at great length)  This is how it goes.  The next thing I'm
> going to say is my theory.  Ready?
> 
> Presenter  Yes.
> 
> Miss Elk  My theory by A. Elk.  Brackets Miss, brackets.  This theory
> goes as follows and begins now.  All brontosauruses are thin at one
> end, much much thicker in the middle, and then thin again at the far
> end.  That is my theory, it is mine, and belongs to me and I own it,
> and what it is too.
> 
> -----
> 
> i don't see any occurrences of the formula "it is what it is" in
> there -- just literal "what it is".
> 
> arnold (zwicky at csli.stanford.edu)
> 
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org
> 
> 

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The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org