Why does everyone SAY this?

I was recently surprised by the here-goes-my-delicious mantra that seemed to take possession of everyone (I almost said it myself out of shock, yikes), now I have a new linguistic trend on my radar. Something that everyone suddenly does. Or better said: does not do. It’s about systematically omitting the noun.

Recently, someone spoke about a new sustainable project that she had to attract many people to. “That’s quite an interesting…,” she said. I waited and waited. Because what came next? An interesting… development? An interesting challenge? But nothing came. And thus, she was, as I understood, completely on trend.

Another person talked about a project where she received help from an unexpected source. “So that’s quite a nice one.” A nice what? A nice coincidence? A nice situation?

And yes, there came an app from my dear niece. “Just a practical: how are we doing it on Saturday with the dogs?”

The only conclusion I can draw is that the noun is on vacation. It’s hibernating somewhere, presumably. Come back soon, it’s almost February, spring is in sight. And dear people, finish your sentence. Do it for me. Because I really enjoy that.