Why "You Can't Just Say Perchance" Became The Internet's Favorite Linguistic Rule
In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of internet humor, certain phrases emerge from obscurity to become instant classics, shaping online conversations and sparking countless memes. One such phrase that has undeniably captured the collective digital imagination is "you can't just say perchance!" It's a statement that, on the surface, seems to critique the use of an archaic word. Yet, its viral spread and enduring popularity reveal a deeper commentary on language, communication, and the unique way humor thrives in the digital age. But how did a seemingly innocuous word like "perchance" become the center of such a widespread linguistic inside joke?
The Curious Case of "Perchance": A Word Out of Time
Let's start with the word itself. "Perchance" is an adverb meaning "by chance" or "perhaps." Its etymology traces back to Old French, and it has graced English literature for centuries. You'll often find it nestled comfortably within the verses of Shakespeare or the prose of classic novels, lending a certain poetic or formal air to the text. However, in the hurly-burly of modern conversation, "perchance" stands out like a sore thumb. As one popular sentiment suggests, using "perchance" today can feel "absurdly out of place," akin to "wearing a powdered wig" to a casual gathering.
The word's formal and somewhat whimsical nature makes it a prime candidate for comedic misuse. It doesn't "roll off the tongue as freely as it once did," and its unexpected appearance in a contemporary sentence often elicits a chuckle, a raised eyebrow, or, as we'll soon see, a very specific and now iconic response.
The Birth of a Meme: Mario, a Fake Essay, and Phil Jamesson
The true genesis of the "you can't just say perchance" phenomenon, at least in its most viral form, can be traced back to a specific piece of internet gold: a fake philosophy essay about the beloved video game character, Mario. In February 2022, comedian Phil Jamesson posted what appeared to be a poorly graded academic paper titled "Mario, the Idea vs. Mario, the Man."
The "Mario, the Idea vs. Mario, the Man" Essay
This satirical essay, which quickly went viral on platforms like Twitter and Reddit, explored humorous and absurd philosophical interpretations of Mario, such as him "crushing turts" and being a "one percenter." The genius of Jamesson's creation lay not just in its ridiculous premise but in its execution. The essay was deliberately "poorly written and hilarious," replete with red pen critiques that highlighted its many flaws. Chief among these flaws was the frequent and often incorrect use of the term "perchance." The word was scattered throughout the text with an almost comical abandon, making it a glaring stylistic error that begged for correction.
The essay was a masterpiece of comedic timing and observation, perfectly capturing the essence of pretentious academic writing gone wrong. It wasn't long before screenshots of the essay, particularly the parts featuring the egregious overuse of "perchance," began circulating widely.
The Catchphrase That Stuck
The sheer absurdity of the essay's linguistic choices, especially its reliance on "perchance," naturally led to a collective online reaction. The phrase "you can't just say perchance!!" emerged as the quintessential response, a perfect encapsulation of the exasperation and amusement felt by readers. It was a succinct, punchy retort that perfectly mirrored the essay's comedic tone. This phrase quickly became a humorous copypasta text, mocking the very word it referenced.
The immediate comedic impact was undeniable. People "had me rolling" when they saw the phrase, recognizing the shared experience of encountering linguistic awkwardness. It wasn't just about Mario or a fake essay; it was about the universal feeling of a word being used so out of place that it demands a direct, almost incredulous, correction.
More Than Just a Joke: Why the Phrase Resonated
While born from a specific comedic skit, "you can't just say perchance" resonated far beyond its origins, evolving into a multifaceted internet meme. Its popularity stems from several deeper reasons:
A Test of Thoughtful Communication
At its core, the phrase "you can't just say perchance" subtly highlights the importance of thoughtful communication. It suggests that words should be chosen carefully and not used randomly or without regard for context. In a world increasingly filled with casual conversation and jargon, the meme serves as a lighthearted reminder of the "art of expression." It emphasizes that language has rules, nuances, and expectations, and deviating from them in a jarring way can be humorous, or even grating. It's a playful critique of linguistic laziness or pretentiousness, advocating for clarity and appropriateness over archaic flair.
The Humor in Absurdity and Shared Understanding
The meme's virality also taps into the joy of shared understanding and inside jokes. When someone uses "perchance" in a sentence and another person responds with "you can't just say perchance!!", it's a signal of mutual recognition, a nod to a shared cultural touchstone. As one data point humorously suggests, "If you say perchance in a sentence and they respond with 'you can’t just say perchance !!' you know they really love you." This implies that understanding and participating in the meme is a form of social bonding, a way to test someone's humor and cultural awareness.
It became an "element of a culture or system of behavior that may be considered to be passed from one individual to another by nongenetic means, especially imitation." This is the very definition of a meme, and "you can't just say perchance" perfectly embodies it. The absurdity of the original essay, combined with the relatable feeling of linguistic pet peeves, created a powerful comedic cocktail that was ripe for imitation and spread.
"Perchance" in the Digital Age: A Meme's Journey
From its humble beginnings as a fake essay, the "you can't just say perchance" meme exploded across various digital platforms. It became a viral sensation on Reddit, TikTok, and Twitter, spawning countless videos, GIFs, and comment chains. TikTok, in particular, became a hotbed for the meme, with users creating humorous skits, animations, and soundbites centered around the phrase. Videos with millions of likes and comments showcased the meme's widespread appeal, demonstrating how a simple linguistic observation could be transformed into a global phenomenon.
The meme's journey reflects the "humor and creativity of internet culture." It showcases how a single, well-placed comedic spark can ignite a wildfire of shared laughter and cultural reference points. It's a testament to the internet's ability to take something niche and make it universally understood, creating a new layer of communication that transcends traditional linguistic boundaries.
Conclusion
The phrase "you can't just say perchance" is far more than just a fleeting internet trend. It's a fascinating case study in how language evolves, how humor spreads, and how shared cultural references are forged in the digital age. Originating from a brilliantly executed comedic essay by Phil Jamesson, it quickly transcended its source material to become a widely recognized idiom. It serves as a playful reminder of the importance of thoughtful communication, the absurdity of linguistic anachronisms, and the joy of shared inside jokes that bind online communities together. So, the next time you hear someone utter "perchance" in a casual conversation, you'll know exactly why the immediate, almost instinctual, response is "you can't just say perchance!"
Summary: The article explores the viral internet meme "you can't just say perchance," tracing its origins to comedian Phil Jamesson's fake 2022 essay, "Mario, the Idea vs. Mario, the Man," which excessively and incorrectly used the archaic word "perchance." The phrase became a popular copypasta and meme, resonating due to its humorous critique of out-of-place language, its emphasis on thoughtful communication, and its role as a shared cultural inside joke. The meme's spread across platforms like TikTok and Reddit highlights the dynamic nature of internet humor and its ability to create new forms of social bonding through shared understanding.
Mario, the Idea vs. Mario, the Man | Know Your Meme
"You can't just say perchance" - iFunny
Perchance. : humour
