To begin with, it is important to note that idioms are expressions whose meanings cannot be deduced from their individual words alone. They are unique phrases that have developed over time through common usage within a particular language or culture. The idiom “what of it” falls under this category and has been in use for centuries. Its exact origins are unclear, but it has been traced back to early English literature where it was used in various forms such as “so what”, “what matter”, and “what care I”.
Today, the idiom is widely recognized and understood by native English speakers across different regions and dialects. It is often used informally in everyday conversations among friends, family members, colleagues, etc., but can also be found in more formal settings such as business meetings or academic discussions.
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “what of it”
The idiom “what of it” is a common phrase in English that is often used to express indifference or dismissiveness towards something. However, the origins and historical context of this idiom are not well-known.
To understand the origins of “what of it,” we must look back at the history of the English language. The phrase itself dates back to at least the 16th century, but its exact origin is unclear. Some scholars believe that it may have originated from Old Norse or Middle Low German, while others suggest that it may have come from French.
Regardless of its precise origin, “what of it” has been used throughout history in various contexts. In literature, for example, Shakespeare famously used the phrase in his play Henry IV Part 1: “Why what’s a king? What’s a king?” In this context, the character Falstaff uses the phrase to express his disdain for authority and hierarchy.
In more recent times, “what of it” has become a popular expression among young people and teenagers. It is often used as a way to shrug off criticism or negative feedback without taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “what of it”
The idiom “what of it” is a commonly used phrase in English language that conveys a sense of indifference or nonchalance towards something. It can be used to dismiss an argument, question or criticism with a tone that suggests the speaker does not care about the issue at hand.
- Variation 1: The phrase can also be used as a rhetorical question to challenge someone’s opinion or statement. For example, “You think I’m too old for this job? What of it?”
- Variation 2: Another variation is using the idiom as an expression of defiance or rebellion. For instance, “They told me I couldn’t do it, but I did anyway. What of it?”
- Variation 3: In some cases, the phrase can be used sarcastically to mock someone’s lack of concern for an important matter. For instance, “Oh sure, just ignore climate change like it’s no big deal. What of it?”
- Variation 4: Additionally, the idiom can be combined with other words to create new phrases such as “so what if”, which means roughly the same thing as “what of it”.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “what of it”
Synonyms for “what of it” include phrases such as “so what”, “who cares”, and “big deal”. These expressions are commonly used in casual conversation to dismiss something that is not important or relevant.
Antonyms for “what of it” would be phrases that express a strong emotional response towards something. For example, instead of saying “what of it”, one could say “I’m outraged!” or “I’m ecstatic!”. These expressions indicate a more intense reaction than simply being indifferent.
Cultural insights on the usage of the idiom vary depending on context and region. In some cultures, expressing indifference may be seen as rude or disrespectful. In others, it may be considered an appropriate way to avoid conflict or show humility.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “what of it”
To begin with, try using “what of it” in response to a question that you find irrelevant or unimportant. For example, if someone asks you about your weekend plans but you don’t feel like sharing them, respond with “what of it?” This will convey that you don’t see why your plans are important enough to discuss.
Another exercise is to practice using “what of it” when someone brings up a negative comment or criticism about something you have done. Instead of getting defensive or upset, respond with “so what? What of it?” This shows that you are not affected by their negativity and are confident in your actions.
You can also practice using “what of it” as a rhetorical question when discussing a topic that may be controversial or divisive. For instance, if someone is arguing passionately about politics and trying to convince others to agree with their views, ask them “What difference does it make? What of it?” This can help shift the focus away from an argumentative tone towards a more open-minded discussion.
Finally, try incorporating “what of it” into your daily vocabulary by making a conscious effort to use the phrase whenever appropriate. The more familiar and comfortable you become with its usage, the easier and more natural it will become in conversation.
By practicing these exercises regularly, you’ll gain confidence in using the idiom “what of it” effectively and appropriately in various situations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “what of it”
When using idioms in conversation or writing, it’s important to understand their meaning and usage to avoid any misunderstandings. The idiom “what of it” is commonly used in English language, but there are some common mistakes that people make when using this phrase.
One mistake is using the idiom out of context. “What of it” is usually used to express indifference or a lack of concern about something. For example, if someone asks you why you didn’t attend a party, you might respond with “I had other plans, what of it?” However, if you use this phrase in a situation where concern or empathy is expected, such as when someone shares bad news with you, it can come across as insensitive.
Another mistake is overusing the idiom. While “what of it” can be a useful phrase in certain situations, using it too frequently can make your speech or writing sound repetitive and unoriginal. It’s important to vary your vocabulary and use different expressions depending on the context.
Finally, another common mistake is mispronouncing the idiom. Some people may mistakenly say “so what?” instead of “what of it.” While these phrases have similar meanings, they are not interchangeable and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion.
To summarize, understanding how to properly use the idiom “what of it” will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure effective communication. Remember to use this expression only when appropriate and avoid overusing or mispronouncing it.
| Mistake | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| Using out of context | Use when expressing indifference or lack of concern. |
| Overusing the idiom | Vary vocabulary and use different expressions. |
| Mispronouncing the idiom | Use “what of it” instead of “so what?” |