"I knew that"

Posted by Patty on May 04, 2002

Maybe five or six years ago we started hearing a frequent semi-comic rejoinder (here in America): "I knew that". This was something people were saying whether they had actually known the fact under discussion or not.

I have a feeling it is a phrase that was popularized by some character on a TV sitcom, or a movie of that sort. I also have a feeling there is some sociological comment wrapped up in the apparent humor of it, but I'm not sure what. Any comments?

Thanks. - Patty

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