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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Saying ‘sorry’ before something you’re not sorry about

17 replies

Flowerbot · 06/11/2017 21:42

E.g: “Sorry, but I think you’re an absolute cunt”

Surely it’s the equivalent of saying “I’m not being funny, but”

Why do people do it? If you mean it, say it like you mean it!

OP posts:
snash12 · 06/11/2017 21:45

I don’t get that either!

Like people who say “I’m just a really honest person I have to say things as I see them” - shortly after personally insulting someone!

WhatwouldAryado · 06/11/2017 21:46

Of course. Up there with "I don't want to sound funny/ rude/ racist "
Of course they do. They're drawing attention to the fact that They're causing offence but will use their meaningless phrase as a claim that They're not a dick. But they are. Handy though. A quick conversational short cut when dissing people out!

WhatwouldAryado · 06/11/2017 21:46

*sussing

RedBullBlood · 06/11/2017 21:47

"No offense, but...." followed by something offensive! Thanks, Ma.

ALemonyPea · 06/11/2017 21:47

Ah yes, the old “I’m not being racist but...” always gets rolled out when there has been some sort of terrorist event by people who you just know are going to give an awful racist comment.

Flowerbot · 06/11/2017 21:56

Yes exactly, you’re not allowed to be offended if someone has said “no offence, but” or informed you beforehand that they’re just really honest

OP posts:
Mittens1969 · 06/11/2017 22:00

Another one is ‘With all due respect...’ when there’s definitely no respect at all. Hmm

Flowerbot · 06/11/2017 22:03

“With all due respect... you’re a cunt” like that you mean? Grin

OP posts:
Squeegle · 06/11/2017 22:05

With all due respect, I’m not being funny, but this is cobblers. It’s just the way we are in England. 😀

CruCru · 06/11/2017 22:05

I always look a bit shocked and ask them why they’re sorry. They don’t like that.

Alternatively I snarl that x was very passive aggressive of them. They don’t like that either.

Lovestonap · 06/11/2017 22:06

I was at school with someone who always started "I'm not trying to be mean but...."

Usually followed by
'no one likes you' or 'those shoes look stupid' etc.

If you're not trying to be mean then God help whoever you're talking to when you're actually trying!

Lovestonap · 06/11/2017 22:07

When my partner says 'I'm sorry but' I always reply 'you don't sound sorry'.

IHaveBrilloHair · 06/11/2017 22:09

I'm sorry you feel that way.
Arggggh, fuck right off.

AnonEvent · 06/11/2017 22:10

I quite enjoy saying “I’m not being/funny racist but...” and then saying something entirely inoffensive.

I’m not being racist but, I really like salted butter.

Bluffinwithmymuffin · 06/11/2017 22:12

"Sorry, but" is especially annoying in daily fail headlines on the women's pages.... i.e.
Sorry, but I hate other women/my boss/mums who do their children's homework/spending time with my own children/breastfeeding/having sex/not having sex/going on holiday/being kind to animals... etc. Always accompanied by photo of smug Katie Hopkins type woman with a stealth boasting smile on her face

hesterton · 06/11/2017 22:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

WishingOnABar · 06/11/2017 22:15

“I’m sorry if you were offended by X”

As in, I’m not sorry it happened but sorry you are so sensitive that it offended you Grin

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