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Discussion Groups / English Usage / July 2009I have been...
I often hear people on the radio end their piece with the line: 'I have been John Smith,' or whoever. What do they mean by that? It implies that on other occasions they have been (or will be) someone other than John Smith, but I assume that isn't the intended meaning.  SignatureWhich of the seven heavens / Was responsible her smile / Wouldn't be sure but attested / That, whoever it was, a god / Worth kneeling-to for a while / Had tabernacled and rested. >I often hear people on the radio end their piece with the line: 'I have >been John Smith,' or whoever. What do they mean by that? It implies >that on other occasions they have been (or will be) someone other than >John Smith, but I assume that isn't the intended meaning. It is a strange way of contracting something like "I am John Smith and I have been speaking to you" or "This has been John Smith speaking to you". SignaturePeter Duncanson, UK (in alt.english.usage) >>I often hear people on the radio end their piece with the line: 'I have >>been John Smith,' or whoever. What do they mean by that? It implies [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >have been speaking to you" or "This has been John Smith speaking to >you". Yes, it's a sort of 'innovative' way of saying it, and meant to be humourous. It's something that stand-up comics sometimes say at the end of their act. SignatureIan >>>I often hear people on the radio end their piece with the line: 'I have >>>been John Smith,' or whoever. What do they mean by that? It implies [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >humourous. It's something that stand-up comics sometimes say at the end >of their act. I don't seem to have any recordings, but typically at the end of the stand-up comedy show from the Apollo Theatre, London, the comedian-host will say "This has been Live at the Apollo, and I have been Michael McIntyre. Goodnight" <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_at_the_Apollo_(TV_series)> SignaturePeter Duncanson, UK (in alt.english.usage) >>> I often hear people on the radio end their piece with the line: 'I >>> have been John Smith,' or whoever. What do they mean by that? It [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > humourous. It's something that stand-up comics sometimes say at the > end of their act. It's usually part of the construction "You've been a wonderful audience; I've been John Smith." SignatureJohn Dean Oxford > >I often hear people on the radio end their piece with the line: 'I have > >been John Smith,' or whoever. What do they mean by that? It implies [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > have been speaking to you" or "This has been John Smith speaking to > you". Something I hear often at the end of newsprograms on TV is similar to this: "And now, for John Jones and the rest of the staff, I'm Bob Baker. Good night." I often wonder who he is for everyone else. Bill in Kentucky ---------------------------------------------------------------- Reverse parts of the user name and ISP name for my e-address >I often hear people on the radio end their piece with the line: 'I have >been John Smith,' or whoever. What do they mean by that? It implies >that on other occasions they have been (or will be) someone other than >John Smith, but I assume that isn't the intended meaning. Without additional context, it's difficult to tell. However, if a person relates a story about an experience that John Smith had, the person might end the story saying "I have been John Smith" indicating that he has shared the same experience. SignatureTony Cooper - Orlando, Florida >I often hear people on the radio end their piece with the line: 'I have >been John Smith,' or whoever. What do they mean by that? It implies >that on other occasions they have been (or will be) someone other than >John Smith, but I assume that isn't the intended meaning. Please read my sig. SignaturePosters should say where they live, and for which area they are asking questions. I have lived in Western Pa. 10 years Indianapolis 10 years Chicago 6 years Brooklyn, NY 12 years Baltimore 26 years >>I often hear people on the radio end their piece with the line: 'I have >>been John Smith,' or whoever. What do they mean by that? It implies >>that on other occasions they have been (or will be) someone other than >>John Smith, but I assume that isn't the intended meaning. > >Please read my sig. Your sig reads: "Posters should say where they live, and for which area they are asking questions. I have lived in Western Pa. 10 years Indianapolis 10 years Chicago 6 years Brooklyn, NY 12 years Baltimore 26 years" Yebbut..... You're still "mm". SignatureIan |
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