This is a phrase I use all the time. For instance, I’ll go upstairs to change clothes and in the process toss the wallet on the bed. Then I’ll finish changing and head downstairs, forgetting about the wallet. So when I have to head out, I have wander around wondering where it is before I recall I forgot it on the bed. Idiot.
Or if I’m driving, and do something like miss a turn. Now I’ve got to turn around and head back, or figure out another way. Idiot.
Or if I’ve taken something apart to fix it and then started the reassembly process. Then I realize I’ve forgotten a piece, or put something together wrong and now need to break it all down again and start all over. Idiot.
The bottom line is, I make mistakes all the time and I chastise myself and then move on.
But it was a little jarring to hear the boy say “I’m such an idiot” while playing his video game. Clearly, the phrase and usage he’s picked up from me. The concern is, I don’t know if he really thinks he’s an idiot, or if he’s just chastising himself like I do myself. My sense is he’s just parroting me, without any real intent behind it.
Even so, I don’t like hearing him say it.
2 replies on ““I’m an idiot””
Explain to him that the phrase refers to self-criticism, and that it basically means that you are holding yourself responsible for something you know you should not have done wrong…before anyone else has a chance to do it for you.
You are not really an idiot, if you figure out you are an idiot before everyone else…that makes them all idiots too.
It is really all about perspective.
I agree with Noel … as long as he understands that it is just an expression.