Five Popular Celebrity Catchphrases: What They Really Mean

Ayanna Guyhto

Have you noticed that most of the stories you read in your favorite gossip rags use a lot of the same language? If you've been paying attention, you've probably noticed a few of these popular catchphrases. Some are legitimate terms; others are politically correct ways to get around some of Hollywood's stickier scandals. Here are five random terms that you'll typically hear to preserve a celebrity's image or keep a hot story tightly under wraps…

"Irreconcilable Differences"

He's cheating on me. She snorts uncontrollably when she laughs. He's mean to our pet iguanas. She's got a glue-sniffing addiction. Considerably, these issues may get in the way of a happy celebrity marriage. In any case, this is a standard legal term rather than a catchphrase. But its mention in tabloids is usually just a preface for all the nasty details that will eventually emerge in approaching days.

"Treated for exhaustion"

Sure, sometimes famous people really are just tired. But ordinarily, this term is a popular catchall for any physical ailment from which a celeb suffers. As the ambiguity of "exhaustion" is so vast, it's a terrific excuse when used to cloak any substance abuse issues the press is attempting to keep quiet. You've got to admit that it's a pretty clever word.

"Respect their privacy…"

This is the politically correct phrase for "leave them alone and don't ask any questions." The only problem is that we consider it complete fluff. Ordinary civilians very rarely bump into their favorite stars in the supermarket. So outside of peeping through their windows to see what's going on, there are few ways the general public can respond to what they're not being told. (Let that one marinate for a while.)

"Representatives for [Insert Celeb Here] could not be reached for comment."

In the event that no public request for privacy has been made, stars typically refer to Plan B: Ignoring the Public. When a celebrity's "people" can't be reached for comment about some sort of scandal, it's usually a bad sign. The parties involved are probably trying to get their stories together. So you can believe that some serious damage control is cooking up behind the scenes.

"…hasn't treated the star…" -

This is usually the phrase used by doctors speculating on the state of a celebrity condition. The phrase is typically used in accordance with rumors of plastic surgery---doctors "who have not treated the star…" love to offer their two cents about what kind of cosmetic work a celeb might have had. Guess that's better than blurting, "That's a jacked up nose job. But I didn't do it."


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Celebrities Who Have Been Kicked Out of Public Places

Understanding the Dynamics of the Celebrity Crush

Published by Ayanna Guyhto - Featured Contributor in Arts & Entertainment

Transplanted New Yawwwker (Bronx, NY), now living in fabulous Atlanta - plunged into the music industry several years ago; Indie Flick Junkie, lover of all things paranormal--who has a penchant for mindless...  View profile

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  • Crystal Ray3/6/2012

    Excellent! I tried to comment on your featured article but couldn't. It was fantastic too!

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