It’s Not Obvious.com

"If it were obvious,
I wouldn't have asked."

Most people who say “obviously” don't realise they're doing it, and they rarely use it as a deliberate put-down.

However, when someone answers a question with “obviously”, it implies you should know the answer.

What's 'obvious' to an expert may be completely unknown to a beginner, and what's 'obvious' in hindsight is almost never obvious in advance.

How “obviously” is Commonly Misused/Overused

1. In the News

Watch any interview, and you'll often hear “obviously” used three or four times in a single answer, and often, not one "obviously" was obvious to the viewer.

2. An Expert's Subtle Put-Down

A doctor, lawyer or technician tells a client “Well, obviously. . .” when the client came to them precisely because it wasn't obvious. That's why they're paying for advice.

3. Hindsight Bias

After an event, some people insist the outcome was “obvious”, even though nobody said so with any confidence beforehand.

4. "Obviously" as a Filler Word

Sometimes it does no logical work at all. It's a verbal tic or filler word, standing in for an "um,” dressed up to sound authoritative.

A Gentle Invitation

Most people who misuse “obviously” aren't meaning to offend. They often don't even realise they're doing it.

So, if you've ever found yourself a little frustrated or annoyed when someone misuses "obviously", you can respond gently, with a smile, and say. . .

"Its Not Obvious.com"