topic Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?" in Community Chat

Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

sunala — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:32:00 GMT

This expression, "asking for a friend," makes no sense to me. At first I'd see it once in a great while, and now it's every two seconds I see it on Facebook, or here, or everywhere.

Chicos has ads on Facebook daily, and every single one of them start with "asking for a friend."

Do you use that expression? And if so, WHY?

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

mom2four0418 — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:35:07 GMT

@sunala wrote:
This expression, "asking for a friend," makes no sense to me. At first I'd see it once in a great while, and now it's every two seconds I see it on Facebook, or here, or everywhere.

Chicos has ads on Facebook daily, and every single one of them start with "asking for a friend."

Do you use that expression? And if so, WHY?

No, and I have never heard anyone say it.

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

brandiwine — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:37:01 GMT

I've never heard or seen that phrase.

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

sunshine45 — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:39:00 GMT

yes, i use it.

i do hear it often.

it is meant to be funny or fun.

for example......

"is it okay to drink a gin and tonic at ten in the morning?

...asking for a friend......"

in other words, i am questiong it for myself.....but not questioning too seriously.

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

sunshine45 — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:41:47 GMT

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

sunshine45 — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:42:22 GMT

i am very surprised that some of you have never heard that expression before!

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

sunala — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:42:40 GMT

@sunshine45 wrote:
yes, i use it.
i do hear it often.
it is meant to be funny or fun.

for example......

"is it okay to drink a gin and tonic at ten in the morning?
...asking for a friend......"

in other words, i am questiong it for myself.....but not questioning too seriously.

@sunshine45 - great explanation! I asked for a friend hehe

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

sidsmom — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:45:09 GMT

“...asking for a friend....”

Just means they want to know THEMSELVES

but are embarrassed/coy enough not to say “I want to know.’

It’s very tongue-in-cheek.....

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

sunala — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:43:34 GMT

@sunshine45 wrote:

@sunshine45- hahahahahahaha

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

jeanlake — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:50:24 GMT

The poster who said it was tongue in cheek -- is right. It's hilarious. It's a joke we make about ourselves and we let others in on the joke. At work we often say SORRY, but in a quieter voice we follow up with, not sorry. It's an inside joke that everyone gets to laugh about. I have a goofy sense of humor and I love it.

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

blackhole99 — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 01:31:13 GMT

This is the first I've heard of it and it just sounds odd.

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

Carmie — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 02:02:34 GMT

I don't use that phrase, but I have heard it all of my life. It's not new.

I have even heard it used in movies. It's a common expression meant to imply I want to know, but hate to ask so I am blaming it on someone else...

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

dex — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 02:35:59 GMT

When I was young and embarrassed by my shoe size I always refused to try them on and said I was buying for a friend.

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

rms1954 — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 02:40:51 GMT

Never heard it.

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

SahmIam — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 15:25:45 GMT

I must be the only person who actually has asked a question on behalf of a friend/family member.

I suppose I use it because

1) it's the truth

2) I may not have any information to deeper into the question and this helps to show that.

If I am asking for myself, I would say so. I don't get the need to lie about it.

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

sunshine45 — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 15:42:01 GMT

@SahmIam

it is supposed to be humorous and not taken "as a lie."

it is usually accompanied by smiles and laughter.

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

Johnnyeager — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 16:45:07 GMT

Who in the world would not know what it means and how it's used?

(I'm just asking for a friend.)

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

Nancy Drew — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 16:49:01 GMT

The phrase has been around forever. Right now with the younger set it has becomes trendy. I don’t hate it.

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

SahmIam — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 20:09:00 GMT

@sunshine45 Eh, who knew? Guess I'm more of a "at face value" then trendy sarcasm kinda person. Good to know, thanks.

Re: Why do People "Ask for a Friend?"

chickenbutt — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 20:17:39 GMT

I'm really glad I have a sense of humor. Seriously!

It's just fun and funny - nothing more. Well, except when somebody uses it seriously but that's not what you see in a post or meme type thing.

I love it!