"Y'know, I actually feel sorry for you/them" never means that. It's just a way of showing contempt and condescension while getting to look like a really good person yourself.
I can't remember when, and I don't think it was recent, but I have a sense I have used the phrase myself. Hopefully long, long ago when it still might have meant what it literally does. But stop using it out there. The jig is up.
I'm trying to think of the last time I ran across that (not in fiction). It has been a long time.
ReplyDeleteIt is the difference between sympathy and pity, that is not well understood.
ReplyDeleteKinda reminds me of: Well, bless your heart!
ReplyDelete