I’m very curious about the phrases we use that sound so hollow but carry a great deal of unspoken meaning.
How many times have you heard someone say this, “He’s a nice guy…” and it’s usually always followed by a “but…” (sometimes an unspoken “but”).
We all know what that means. And if you don’t, you don’t want to be known as the “he’s a nice guy” guy.
Where did this way of talking about people come from? Why do we avoid saying what we really mean when we all know what the phrase is really covering up? When does a phrase go from a figure of speech to a full on cue to something pejorative?
For fun (and data collection!) check out all these blog posts and articles and advice columns that use “he’s a nice guy.”
Here’s some etymology for you on it. It’s pretty funny what the word “nice” really brings with it 
And after rereading this post a couple of times I think, “it’s a nice post.” And for those that want to understand my real meaning. This post is pretty lame.
Yeah, it’s Monday morning.
Here’s some loaded ones for you (of the feminine variety):
“She’s got such a pretty face!” (UNSPOKEN CONTINUATION: But ugh, that body which defies the current cultural conception of beauty!)
“She’s so sweet.” (UNSPOKEN CONTINUATION: But ugh, who would want to date her?)
“She’s interesting.” (TRANSLATION: She’s irritatingly opinionated and makes me feel somewhat emasculated in an undefinable way.)