I have noticed, mostly at work, that the term “they” and “them” is completely acceptable to use in describing something which you don’t want to point a finger directly at, or something that may not even exist at all.
Let’s look at some example’s:
1. “Well that’s what they want”
This one is usually used to describe upper management. It usually means that nobody actually said that they actually want anything, but is used more to show that “higher up” people are always pushing for more work or something.
2. “Go ask them”
This is used to show a party that may be skeptical of some idea or plan that you have, that in fact other people are also “in with you”.
3. “They need [thing needed] right away”
Need something in a hurry, and can’t get it unless you can make it sound really important? Just tell them that they need it! This does two things for you. It makes it sound like many people need this thing, and it also makes it sound like some elusive, possibly important, person needs this thing.
4. “I talked to them, and they agree”
You really only talked to a few people, but you don’t want to admit this so you just throw in a “they”. It makes the group that you actually talked to seem larger than it may have actually been, doesn’t allow anyone to question the expertise of anyone that you actually talked to, and most importantly doesn’t give out the names of anyone who may have not agreed with you so that you can later deny discussing this issue with the disagreeable person.
The world of working people never ceases to amaze me, and always gives me a good laugh. Be on the lookout for those using “them” as a scapegoat.
something happen at work that pissed you off? Or are you just throwing out random thoughts?
Just a random thought. Listen for how often people use “they” at work, you will see what I mean.
I showed this to people at work, and they agree.
hahahahahahahahaha.
hahahahahahaahahaahahaa
I’ve got in trouble many times from peers telling tails at various places I worked when I was a nipper. If only I’d have adopted that method earlier in my life, but then again, I’d probably still have been stuck in a dead-end retail job.
People who use the word they to describe something they themselves actually want done will never be successful. All trust will be lost from the employees. That is why I use the term I and they (the employee’s) deal with it and do it or “I” will put a boot up their ass.