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A question for North Americans

by The Table
7 replies
I'm from the UK. I'm writing copy for a client on the other side of the pond. There's a phrase I'd like to check - is this phrase used in the U.S. and/or Canada...?

In the UK, this phrase "...even if I say so myself." is common-ish.

...it's used after a boast, to be a little humble. Kind of meaning that 'it's doesn't feel right to blow my own trumpet'.

Eg - "I'm a great chef - even if I say so myself."

Is the phrase "...even if I say so myself." also common-ish in the U.S. and or Canada?

Thanks.
#americans #north #question
  • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
    Hi there,

    I have never heard this expression used in that way in North America.

    Marcia Yudkin
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Singletary
    I have heard this expression used in this way in the USA and I've even used it myself. However, it's not something used often. I can't remember when I last used or heard this, for example.

    Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author The Table
    The forum is telling me I can't thank you by clicking the thank button. But thanks for your comments.
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  • Profile picture of the author gregw
    I'm originally from the Midwest, spent a lot of time in New England and now live in Texas. I've heard it and used it myself.
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  • Profile picture of the author RickDuris
    Do you really think boasting forwards your case?

    That stated, you could rework it by saying...

    "I've been told on more than one occasion I'm a great chef."

    It takes the edge off.

    P.S. https://www.google.com/search?num=10...85.joYloJkK-Cw
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
    I'm wondering why the phrase would be used in sales copy.

    In copy, never say, "I'm a great <whatever>". Instead, state your specific accomplishments and let the reader come to his own conclusion about your greatness.

    Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author splitTest
    Originally Posted by The Table View Post

    I'm from the UK. I'm writing copy for a client on the other side of the pond. There's a phrase I'd like to check – is this phrase used in the U.S. and/or Canada...?

    In the UK, this phrase "...even if I say so myself." is common-ish.

    ...it's used after a boast, to be a little humble. Kind of meaning that 'it's doesn't feel right to blow my own trumpet'.

    Eg – "I'm a great chef – even if I say so myself."

    Is the phrase "...even if I say so myself." also common-ish in the U.S. and or Canada?

    Thanks.
    I've heard it lots... The phrase has been used humorously for a very long time... In fact, it's such cliched humor that not many use it much nowadays...

    Btw, it doesn't go "...even if I say so myself."

    It's "if I do say so myself", eg.: "I'm a pretty good dancer, if I do say so myself..."

    Maybe it'll make a comeback with the young'ns...

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