What does 'the weird turn pro' mean?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phrase "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro," specifically seeking clarification on its meaning and background. Participants explore the implications of the term "weird" and its relation to the original phrase "when the going gets tough, the tough get going." The conversation touches on the origins and interpretations of these sayings.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Historical
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the meaning of "the weird turn pro," particularly what "weird" signifies in this context.
  • Another participant explains that "pro" refers to professional, suggesting that the phrase implies that in strange situations, those who are typically unconventional will rise to a professional level of performance.
  • A participant notes that the phrase is a variation of "when the going gets tough, the tough get going," attributing it to journalist Hunter S. Thompson.
  • There is a suggestion that the phrase may not just be a play on the original but rather a significant alteration, reflecting Thompson's unique style influenced by his lifestyle.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about hearing the phrase during the Watergate scandal, indicating a historical context for its usage.
  • Another participant expresses initial confusion about the phrase, associating "get going" with a different meaning, which highlights the ambiguity in interpretation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the phrase and its origins, with no consensus reached on its meaning or the extent of its connection to the original saying. Multiple competing views remain regarding its significance and background.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference the historical context of the phrase and its relation to other sayings, but there are unresolved aspects regarding the exact implications of "weird" and how it contrasts with the original phrase.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in linguistics, cultural references, or the works of Hunter S. Thompson may find this discussion relevant.

achyuxiaoyu
Hello:
I wanted to know what does the phrase, "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro" means. Actually I understood the first part of it. But the second part "the weird turn pro" is not clear to me. What does the word "weird" stand for, here?

Any answer is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
 
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In this case, pro is short for professional. The saying means that when a situation becomes weird, people who had exhibited an amateurish level of weirdness, will now perform at a professional level.
 
Thanks a lot, jimmysnyder, and can you tell me much more about the background of this phrase?
 
achyuxiaoyu said:
Thanks a lot, jimmysnyder, and can you tell me much more about the background of this phrase?
The correct phrase is "when the going gets tough, the tough get going".

You're quote is apparently a play by a journalist named Hunter S. Thompson on the original quote
 
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Evo said:
Hunter S. Thompson

Perhaps not a "play" but a bastardization... The guy's brain was fried most hours of the day... which certainly makes his writing interesting.
 
physics girl phd said:
Perhaps not a "play" but a bastardization... The guy's brain was fried most hours of the day... which certainly makes his writing interesting.
Very true. :biggrin:
 
achyuxiaoyu said:
can you tell me much more about the background of this phrase?
As posted by Evo, this quote is a paraphrase of "When the going gets tough, the tough get going". I first heard this phrase during the Watergate scandal when Attorney General John Mitchell was quoted as having said it. I did not realize until now that he did not originate the saying. Here is a site with some earlier references.

http://lloyd.emich.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0212a&L=ads-l&D=1&H=1&F=&S=&P=3605

I had trouble understanding the saying at first because like some others, I associated the phrase "get going" with "run away" as in the admittedly sexist expression: "The only way to fight a woman is with your hat. Grab it and get going."
 
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