It seems the most used (and tired) post-game sports cliché is “We gave 110% out there tonight.” Not a math major, eh? But what does that even mean? Just once I’d like to see a reporter ask “110% of what? What does 100% represent?” If the answer is “110% of our best effort” or “110% of our total capacity” then there is a logical fallacy implied at the least. And as long as we’re exceeding logic and possibility, why not give 120%? 127%? C’mon, go for it. How badly did you want it?
I think they’re trying to say “it took more effort than I thought was possible and you couldn’t possibly understand.” 110% is a short cut. Actually, I don’t fault athletes for using tired clichés after a game. I mean, after giving “110%” on the court, they shouldn’t be expected to come up with original sayings and snappy witticisms. But it would be so funny to hear, “Most of us were giving 113%, but some guys were only giving 92%, so we averaged 109%.”
What if other professionals were interviewed following triumphs?
Fast food worker: We had a super-sized effort tonight
Dishwasher Drying Engineer: We took it from moist to damp tonight.
Donut maker: We gave a baker’s dozen of effort tonight.
CPA: We grossed 113% effort on the audit, but after the reserve for doubtful effort, we netted 110%
Scientist: We gave 1.1 x 102 percent tonight in the lab
3 comments:
I was reading this on google reader and thought it was Rachel at first and it was cracking me up!
Nice reference to the Dishwasher engineers (added to the author confusion).
When I realized it was you, it was still funny, but not as funny as if it were Rachel.
I'm flattered that you mistook my writng for Rachel's!
I recently heard "they gave 120%" on ESPN--so apparently, 110% is not enough anymore!
Post a Comment