Conversation Stoppers

Sometimes there’s just too much talk. Sometimes a rude statement or insensitive remark only adds to the noise and makes the conversation become even more intolerable. In such cases, it’s often possible to employ a silent, time-tested sign-language that can render a conversational opponent speechless with the movement of a single hand.

The Whoop-De-Doo

“Whoop-De-Doo”

With the simple twirl of a finger, a “big deal” can be squashed into trivia, an overblown ego can be instantly deflated, and an overly-enthusiastic rant can be brought to a screeching halt. The gesture most likely represents a tiny baton being waved by a sarcastic drum majorette, or a sparkler that has been recently extinguished without the knowledge of its twirler. Either way, the gesture is a quick way to end the celebration taking place in the mind of someone who has just made an “exciting” announcement.

The Cuckoo

“The Cuckoo”

When brainy gets zany, or open-minded turns to absent-minded, this little gesture is a quick signal that the conversation has ventured beyond the borders of conventional sanity. Are you talking with a tea-bagger? Did someone say they’re buying a PC instead of a mac? It might be time to bring forth the power of “The Cuckoo.” Is the twirling finger a pantomime of winding a clock or the circular flight of bats in the belfry? Whatever the case, it’s careful use can put a quick stop to the lunatic ravings of your fellow conversationalists.

The Tiny Violin

“The Tiny Violin”

Perhaps the harshest of these examples is this tiny gesture which represents “the world’s smallest violin playing the world’s saddest song just for you.” Simply rub your thumb across the top of your lightly clenched fist and you’ll be an instant pooper on any pity party. The pitch-perfect, silent sarcasm of this little instrument is the ideal accompaniment to the whining drone the “poor-me” blues.

Here are some downloadable graphics to use when engaged in a particularly tiresome social network or message board discussion. Just right-click or control-click on the image and select “save” or “download” or whatever makes sense.