Menspeak (The Language Of Men)

"It's a guy thing."
Means..."There is no rational thought pattern connected with it, and you have no chance at all of making it logical."
"Can I help with dinner?"
Means..."Why isn't dinner already on the table?"
"Uh huh", "Sure honey," or "Yes dear."
Means...Absolutely nothing; it is a conditioned response.
"It would take too long to explain."
Means..."I have no idea how it works."
"We're going to be late."
Means..."Now I have a legitimate excuse to drive like a maniac."
"Take a break honey, you're working too hard."
Means..."I can't hear the TV over the vacuum cleaner."
"That's interesting dear."
Means..."Are you still talking?"
"It's a really good movie."
Means.."It's got guns, knives, fast cars, and beautiful women."
"That's women's work."
Means..."It's difficult, dirty, and thankless."
"You know how bad my memory is."
Means..."I remember the theme song to 'F Troop', the address of the first girl I ever kissed, and the vehicle identification numbers of every car I've ever owned, but I forgot your birthday."
"I was just thinking about you and got you these roses."
Means..."The girl selling them on the corner was a real babe."
"Hey, I've got my reasons for what I'm doing."
Means..."And I sure hope I think of some pretty soon."
"I can't find it."
Means..."It didn't fall into my outstretched hands, so I'm completely clueless."
"What did I do this time?"
Means..."What did you catch me at?"
"You know I could never love anyone else."
Means..."I am used to the way you yell at me, and realise it could be worse."
"You look terrific"
Means..."Oh God, please don't try on one more outfit. I'm starving!"
"I'm not lost. I know exactly where we are."
Means..."No one will ever see us alive again."
"We share the housework."
Means..."I make the messes, she cleans them up."
Originally published June 10, 2003.