Digital Overtone

While sitting in traffic on the Mass Pike

Mom: Ohmygod, there’s no more traffic! For why did that happen!?
Me: "For why did that happen?"
Mom: Yeah, for…for why?
Me: You realize I’m making fun of you here, right?
Mom: Yes. (pause) I want to say "for why." Why can’t you say that?
Me: You can say "what for?" instead.
Mom: No you can’t.
Me: Sure you can. What for?
Mom: So why can’t you say "for why?" You can say "what for" but not "for why?"
Me: Because that means the same thing as just "why."
Mom: No, "why" means "why" and "for why" means…(laughs)
Me: *is smug*

Posted by Kyle / doublespeak