Meaning
What does I Digress mean?
I Digress, often used as But I Digress is a common phrase used in conversations and presentations to acknowledge a deviation from the main topic. It is often employed when a speaker realizes they have unintentionally strayed off course and wishes to redirect the conversation back to the original subject. This phrase is commonly uttered with a touch of self-awareness, humor, and the understanding that the speaker recognizes their own tendency to go on tangents.
Example: Imagine you’re at a dinner party, engaged in a lively conversation about your favorite movies of all time. Suddenly, in the midst of discussing classic Disney films, you find yourself diverging into an impassioned monologue about the importance of sound design in The Lord of the Rings. Realizing your tangent, you might say, “Anyway, I digress, let’s get back to talking about our favorite Disney villains!”
Origin
What's the origin of I Digress?
The term “digress” had been a part of the English lexicon since the 1500’s, adopted from the Latin language.
The phrase “I Digress” has a rather humble origin. It can be traced back to the Latin word ”digredi” which means “to go apart”, “to deviate” or “to step away”.
However, the modern usage of the phrase can be attributed to the English language, particularly in informal settings. “I Digress” had been used in the same sense as today as early as 1530 and had been utilized since then both in written and spoken form.
By the 19th century, the phrase was well established in English.
It has become a widely recognized expression, allowing speakers to acknowledge their own meandering tendencies without causing any offense or disruption to the conversation.
Spread & Usage
How did I Digress spread?
Despite its informal nature, the phrase ”I Digress” has gained popularity in various English-speaking countries. It has become a recognizable expression among friends, colleagues, and even in popular culture.
The phrase has made its way into countless movies, TV shows, and books, often used to humorous effect when characters find themselves going off on tangents. Its use has also spread to the virtual world, where it is frequently employed in online discussions and debates to redirect conversations that have veered away from the original topic.
“I Digress” is often paired with an unpopular or uncommon opinion, as if it is being brought up randomly out of context.
A definition was added to Urban Dictionary in 2010, explaining the expression to those who are still unfamiliar with this manner of speech.
External resources
- Dictionary.com – I digress
- Cambridge Dictionary – DIGRESS | English meaning