No Offense
By Amber
@AmbiePam (85432)
United States
December 2, 2016 10:20pm CST
Have you ever noticed when someone starts off saying no offense, it's usually followed by something offensive. There are exceptions, and I'm sure I have been guilty of it too. Someone will say something about your country or your family, or your intellect (depending whether you are online or offline), but it's always got the "no offense" term tied to it.
It's really bad when the phrase also drips with condescension, but on mylot the condescension is more exception than the rule. However, that condescension seems to come most from one particular part of the world. I won't say where. I would hate to have to tag my last sentence with a "no offense" disclaimer. I wouldn't want to follow in the patronizing steps of those who judge a lot of people based on knowing only a few.
I better make sure I don't do the same thing.
17 people like this
20 responses
@moffittjc (118421)
• Gainesville, Florida
9 Dec 16
Or, another one that fits into the same category: 'To make a long story short...'
Usually, if someone prefaces their conversation with that, you had better get comfortable because they will be talking for a long time! haha
2 people like this
@allen0187 (58438)
• Philippines
3 Dec 16
I've noticed that as well.
It seems that the phrase 'no offense' gives that person the right to say an offensive remark! 
2 people like this
@CRK109 (14558)
• United States
4 Dec 16
Yes, I always hear, "No offense, BUT..." And that "but" changes everything. But I think that some people need to get something off their chest and they don't want to really offend anyone by having them take it personally. It's usually just meant in a generic way. I think.
2 people like this
@teresatrotter (4073)
• Jacksonville, Florida
3 Dec 16
Instead of saying "no offense"...I just apologize for offending them in advance. LOL
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (169865)
• United States
3 Dec 16
I haven't noticed that. I will have to keep my eyes open for that!
2 people like this
@ShyBear88 (59281)
• Sterling, Virginia
3 Dec 16
Omg, yes! I had this same discussion back a few months ago. Just say what you want say and don't start with no offensive because you mean let me hurt any ways even though I don't want to.
2 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
3 Dec 16
I find it to be an utterly ridiculous practice, atleast when it comes to the online world. We don't know each other from Eve after all!
2 people like this
@moffittjc (118421)
• Gainesville, Florida
9 Dec 16
We were just talking about this at work a few days ago! We have one particular employee who says that phrase all the time, and then proceeds to speak in an offensive tone. It's quite aggravating!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118421)
• Gainesville, Florida
9 Dec 16
@AmbiePam Yes, very frustrating. This particular employee gets on everyone's nerves.
1 person likes this
@PainsOnSlate (21854)
• Canada
3 Dec 16
Good thoughts, sometimes saying nothing is the way to go...But often I have to put my two cents out there and then take the flack...
1 person likes this
@just4him (305864)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
3 Dec 16
I find myself defending myself with that statement. Someone will have just said something about something I do or believe, in a negative way, and I will say no offense but I do or believe that. It tends to put them off for a minute or two.
1 person likes this
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
3 Dec 16
I think it can be hard to know what will offend somebody else. Most of us don't want to upset another person' but manage to do so occasionally. I don't know anyone that I'm going to agree with every single minute of the day and realize I need to work harder at walking away.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (48908)
• United States
7 Dec 16
I have read a few of those discussions 
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40488)
• United States
4 Dec 16
That's so true! Like "I'm not trying to be disagreeable..." or "I probably shouldn't repeat this..."
1 person likes this
@ms1864 (6886)
• Bangalore, India
3 Dec 16
It depends on how we say things after....i JUST used this yesterday...for a comment here on mylot. ....and the person who i was speaking to really did not take offence and understood my point.
So i really think it is the WAY we frame our words more than anything else.
If someone gives a "disclaimer" we need to understand that they are already aware of how the words may come across and are hoping you take it more as a point of view than a personal attack.
So i actually think this is a good way to converse.
1 person likes this
