New Memelet: Who knew?

Who knew?

For those challenged by English dialogue that need to have meaningless phrases to use that impress, I offer you: “Who knew?”

This has become yet another memelet (like “we’re done here”). The word “memelet derives from meme which is:

meme n. A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another. (according to Answers.com).

memelet n. A truly irritating phrase which lost its meaning long ago and yet is used by scriptwriters to fill in holes in conversations between TV characters, who don’t resemble real people at all. But because they are on TV, TV watchers imitate them and also end up not resembling real people at all. Such people frequently use phrases like “we’re done here” and “who knew?”

In case you’re uncertain as to how to avoid using this phrase, here are some examples of its abuse:

“Google is buying up fiber all over the US and now has more fiber than most US telcos.”

“Wow, who knew?”

“Microsoft has invested billions in the Internet through MSN but has yet to make a profit from it.”

“Really, who knew?”

“‘Who knew?’ is a really irritating memelet and you keep on using it.”

“Gosh, who knew?”

We’re done here.