it is what it isn't I know I've told you all about my least favorite phrases in the past, so I should be "good to go" when it comes to complaining about things people say. But I'm compelled to add another expression to the list: "It is what it is."

I can't think of a more wasteful use of five words than this. Of course it is what it is! That's why it's called "it." In fact, I'd be quite concerned if it ever isn't what it is.

This phrase makes just as much sense as saying "a dog is a dog" or "a head gasket for a 1973 Chevy big block V-8 is a head gasket for a 1973 Chevy big block V-8."

So can we please retire this phrase and start using words for more useful things, like listing the 5 best and worst smells? Thank you.  ¶ monger187 wrote this on 1/08/2007