Collegial Communication Through the Ages
Out of fashion, maybe. But does anything really change?
I recently overheard someone at work use the phrase, "Thank you, kind sir." I love the fact that this person is being polite - there's frankly not enough of that going around.
Despite being refreshing, it did seem notably out of place in 2024. It made me wonder how some other modern workaday phrases and/or situations might be tailored to feel more at home in a different century:
1934: "That was a fine presentation, a fine presentation indeed! Dandy! Yes sir, you showed 'em, old boy! Really gave 'em the what for! A-1! Now, excuse me while I jitterbug back to my office. . . "
1845: "You are cordially invited to the room of conference to participate in the required monthly symposium. This month, Jedediah Jones will lecture on the topic 'So your 6-year-old boy wants to go to school instead of farming: Parenting in the age of blatant disregard for the fact that we all must farm to survive!!'
*Donuts will be provided."
1778: "Let them eat cake . . . to celebrate Marsha's 40th birthday!"
1698: "I require this parchment to be duplicated using whatever dark arts are at work within that infernal machine, madam. Post-haste!"
1665: "Dearest Vassal-Subjects - It has been brought to my attention that some have outright ignored the office music policy and are regaling us with their harpsichord playing outside of the hours clearly established for harpsichord regaling. As a reminder, the first infraction will result in a face-to-face meeting with your supervisor and/or HR. The second infraction will result in a face-to-face meeting with the gallows."
1597: "But harsh, what odor from yonder microwave emanates!"
1520: "It's that time of year again! Your presence is requested at the annual 'Flogging of the Interns'."
1350: To: All Employees, Re: Black Death Insurance Referral and Paid Time Off Policies
AD 120: "Just a reminder that the company owns box seats at the Coliseum. Tickets are made available to employees IF NOT used by customers, vendors, philosophers and/or members of the Roman consulate. And please recall Coliseum policy, which clearly states that all plebeians observed not cheering maniacally for whatever spectacle is set before them will be fed to the lions. Casting of lots will take place at the central obelisk at 2 pm. Best of luck!"
AD 60, Rome: "Hi all, Apostle Paul here. I feel compelled to yet again remind everyone that we are but one body with many parts. If the foot should say, 'No one is going to miss this package of Post-It notes' that does not mean it isn't stealing. Likewise, if the hand should say, 'I'm going to eat someone else's lunch because I'm hungry,' how is anyone to view the break room as a safe place? And if the whole body were an ear, we'd all have no choice but to listen time and again to Peter's 'incredible' fishing stories - I kid, Pete, I kid!"
B.C. ????: "Please be advised that as of yesterday, ALL garden fruit is now forbidden, and clothing is no longer optional. And please remember that if you see a snake, do NOT try to engage it yourself, but report it to facilities ASAP!"
Thanks for reading! Wishing you a day filled with whatever communication style makes sense to you, no matter how dated!
LOL! So creative and fun! ~Ed.