The phrase, "They say..." is irritating. It is also insidious, potentially destructive, and possibly untrue. It's an evil person's way of spreading harmful and inaccurate gossip while trying to dodge accountability. ("I didn't say it. They did.")
Unfortunately, it's also how old fogies who don't remember where they heard something repeat what they've heard. They learned it in the olden days of Hollywood gossip columns. "A little bird told me that Studly Jones is keeping company with Vera Vamp while Mrs. Jones is off getting some work done." (At least there was a source named... the little bird a.k.a. stool pigeon.)
Whatever the source, it's become common practice to attribute information to "they." Maybe instead of being irritated I should train people to stop doing it. Or maybe not. Next time Aunt Liz calls with her long list of "they say's" this could happen:
Aunt Liz - "They say sugar is bad for you."
Me ------- "Who is 'they?' and how did 'they' happen to tell you?"
Aunt Liz - "You know, the 'Food People'. It was in the newspaper."
Me ------- "Which paper? When? Who are these 'Food People?'"
Aunt Liz - (miffed) "Do you remember every name you read and where you read it?"
Me ------- "Nope. But I look it up and cite the source if I repeat it."
Aunt Liz - "I never liked you and you're out of the will."
The following day:
Hubby - "Look, Dear. The sugar company filed suit against your Aunt Liz."
Me ---- "Don't worry, the Food People will defend her."
Hubby - "They aren't mentioned. This lawsuit will wipe her out."
Me ----- "Oh well. We were out of the will anyway."
Maybe that's why 'they' say to leave well enough alone.
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