You know what?

My friend Max once told me about a language form, that a lot of people used, that he, as an English major, wondered whether or not it was in correct usage. (I think I tortured English right there, but I digress.) This colloquial usage that made him wonder was "The thing of it is, is ... ). I notice it all the time now. I don't know what to think of it though.

I have a new one.

People, Americans, seem to be using it more and more. Perhaps it helps in making an argument, such as "The earth is getting warmer" Perhaps to set up a joke. As in "George Bush is President" For whatever reason we are more and more using a question in the middle of our declarative statements, and maybe our jokes.

And not just any question. Its always this question "And you know what?". Usually followed by the big point, "Nobody's doing anything about it!" Or in the case of a joke "And you know what?" and the big point again. "He has a tiny little brain!"

People are now punctuating their remarks, more and more frequently with "And you know what?" - And you know what?
I think its here to stay! And you know what else? I'd like to know how it started!

Who started this? I don't know, but I'm going to have fun with it. And you know what else?
Scarlett Johannson is still hot!

It works for non-sequitors too!