Really?

I love the word really.  The word really can be used in so many ways in sentences.  Examples:

·        I really like your shirt.

·        I really wanted to go to the show on Friday.

·        Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?  (This was a song made popular by Culture Club.  I am sure many wanted to really hurt Boy George, but I rather liked him).

·        MOM, you are REALLY the only parent in the world that won’t let ME GO!

So all those “really” sentences are REALLY okay, but my favorite really sentences are not with the word really in them, but following them.  Are you following me?

You hear the word really all the time following a statement or as a statement.  Case in point.  My husband and I went shopping the other day and when we were checking out I had to grab the US Weekly magazine.  Instead of just going with it and saying absolutely nothing, he looked at me and said, “Really?”  This simple “really” made the cashier chuckle.  Better yet, there is nothing like my son looking at me all puzzled as I am doing something, complete with his one eyebrow raised, and saying, “Really?”

I especially love it when my neighbor comes over and says it, which he does quite often.  Sometimes I think he originated the “really” statement.  However, he has an added touch to the word really.  He adds the word “dude” at the end.  An example.  While watching my husband do something “Polish” he in turn will say, “Really dude?”

Why is it saying this verb/adverb/interjection so much fun and comical?  I really don’t know, but it really is.  I am sure after reading this little blurb people may shake their heads and say, “Really?”  J