I was having lunch on the patio of a casual restaurant, and between bites of my crisp salad, I overheard a man in a business suit say to his lunch mate:

I dont disagree with that.

Ive heard this phrase before, first and foremost from a lawyer, and Ive always found it irksome, along with other weasel words and phrases.

What does I dont disagree with that say?

Actually, it says nothing, at least directly. If you dont disagree, does it mean you agree? Are you open to agreeing?

And what does this phrase replace, except a perfectly serviceable grunt such as uh-huh?

Are those who dont disagree so concerned that theyll go on the record for assenting to something that could haunt them later if they just let what they heard pass without comment?

Do they feel obligated to judge each and every thing that comes along?

After law school I had to make a real effort to STOP sounding like a lawyer in the interest of getting along with my consulting clients, who by the way, were seeking me out for my communication abilities.

Like a reformed anything, perhaps Im acutely antagonistic about symptoms of that from which I feel Ive extricated myself. Ex-smokers are often the most vocal about side stream smoke, and I lament the use of circumlocutions such as I dont disagree.

Anyway, that couple on the patio could have been discussing dessert for all I know, one of them saying, A piece of pie would be nice.

Why cant the other just fess up to wanting a slice, too?