Not For Nuthin'
My favorite Rhode Island-ism is the phrase, "Not for nothing." Aside from the unique pronunciation (full of glottal stops and omitting the "g"), the phrase has a particular meaning in Rhode Island discourse.
"Not for nothing" does have a regular, literal use. It means "for a good reason." Consider: "It's not for nothing that ducks have webbed feet." The phrase is a little inelegant, with its Yiddishe double-negative, but it has a certain rustic appeal. It can carry a shade of derision: you'd be stupid not to know why ducks have webbed feet. It can also convey obviousness: everyone knows why ducks have webbed feet. (Rhetorically it is called a litotes.)
In Rhode Island, however, it usually goes like this: "Hey, not for nothing, but . . . " The phrase invariably precedes a statement of opinion, and seems intended to prepare the listener for that opinion. Its literal meaning lost completely, the phrase becomes a mere signal, a flag: hold on, something's coming.
There seem to be many colloquialisms meant to buffer the blow of a direct opinion, particularly of an opinion that might be unwelcome or uninvited. I think of the Minnesotan opening: "You know, some guys would . . . " You can see the need for this. "You know, what you oughta do is . . . " can be too direct, almost insulting. What follows could be taken for fighting words. So instead there's a softening first, a show of respect, a sign that no hard feelings are intended. The recipient is free to take or leave what is said. "You know, some guys would wear a coat in this weather."
The Rhode Island "not for nothing" is necessary because the opinion to follow is usually blunt and unflattering. It announces, "I am about to state an opinion, and my apologies if it is a little strong and brusque, but I feel I must have my say."
Thus: "Hey, not for nuthin', but your brother's an asshole."
BC
PS This use of the phrase is not limited to RI, of course, but can be found in working class neighborhoods up and down the Eastern seaboard. Here's a great take by a New Jerseyite.
"Not for nothing" does have a regular, literal use. It means "for a good reason." Consider: "It's not for nothing that ducks have webbed feet." The phrase is a little inelegant, with its Yiddishe double-negative, but it has a certain rustic appeal. It can carry a shade of derision: you'd be stupid not to know why ducks have webbed feet. It can also convey obviousness: everyone knows why ducks have webbed feet. (Rhetorically it is called a litotes.)
In Rhode Island, however, it usually goes like this: "Hey, not for nothing, but . . . " The phrase invariably precedes a statement of opinion, and seems intended to prepare the listener for that opinion. Its literal meaning lost completely, the phrase becomes a mere signal, a flag: hold on, something's coming.
There seem to be many colloquialisms meant to buffer the blow of a direct opinion, particularly of an opinion that might be unwelcome or uninvited. I think of the Minnesotan opening: "You know, some guys would . . . " You can see the need for this. "You know, what you oughta do is . . . " can be too direct, almost insulting. What follows could be taken for fighting words. So instead there's a softening first, a show of respect, a sign that no hard feelings are intended. The recipient is free to take or leave what is said. "You know, some guys would wear a coat in this weather."
The Rhode Island "not for nothing" is necessary because the opinion to follow is usually blunt and unflattering. It announces, "I am about to state an opinion, and my apologies if it is a little strong and brusque, but I feel I must have my say."
Thus: "Hey, not for nuthin', but your brother's an asshole."
BC
PS This use of the phrase is not limited to RI, of course, but can be found in working class neighborhoods up and down the Eastern seaboard. Here's a great take by a New Jerseyite.
posted by Bill Calhoun 9:06 AM
1 Comments:
SO, I'M SITTING HERE ON THE GREAT RIVER NILE, AS IT COURSES ITS WAY TO THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA, AND I DECIDED TO START MY DAY WITH A WEB VISIT WITH YOU GUYS. YOU BOTH TOOK ME FROM ONE DREAMLAND TO ANOTHER, AND THAT SURE IS "NOT FOR NUTHIN," SEE YOU IN OCTOBER ENSHALLAH!
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