What is a Palzewism?
Several years ago, a college friend coined the word Palzewism. A Palzewism is a funny one liner utter from me, Ken Palzewicz, in order to defuse a tense situation.
For example:
There was an older lady in front of me in the checkout line at Pick N Save. She was getting quite vocal and profane with the cashier. Upon further listening, I began to understand the problem. There was an in store coupon for $2 off some item if you bought 10 of them. She was upset that instead of getting $2 off, she received 20 cents off each item. That’s when I found myself saying out loud:
“I’m a special ed teacher, maybe I can help?”
See. One line diffused the situation and allowed all parties to step back and rethink!
I use these all the time in my classroom. As you may know, I teach Special Education in Milwaukee Public Schools at the high school level. My students get frustrated when they are struggling with a task and will lash out in anger. I use Palzewisms to defuse the situation:
You’re Stupid! – Palzewism – That’s why I’m teaching you!
You’re ugly – I can’t help it. My Daddy was ugly and his Daddy was ugly and his Daddy was hideous!
F&^% You! – Aww.. I love you too!
Bull$&%T! – Cows do too, but they don’t brag about it.
You’re Crazy – Don’t change the subject!
I always appreciated the one liner. It immediately brings people into a common frame of reference and just makes people smile. I always loved them, especially when I figured out that my initials, KWP, sounded like the word QUIP, which of course is a witty remark.
Comment below if you remember a Palzewism that still makes you smile!
