Uh-Oh

MEMO

To: Turtle and Monkey

From: Twin Momma

RE: Use of “Uh-Oh”

It has come to my attention that, despite repeated explanations, the phrase “uh-oh” is being grossly misused by certain members of this family. I hope this written explanation of the proper use of “uh-oh” will clear up the misunderstanding.

“Uh-Oh” is a phrase accompanying a minor, accidental, mishap. I cannot emphasize enough that the mishap must be accidental in order for “uh-oh” to apply. When your cup of milk slips out of your hands because they are wet from eating pineapple, that is an uh-oh. When you pick up your cup, look directly at me, and then throw the cup on the floor, saying “uh-oh” is not appropriate and will not make your insolent cup-throwing “cute” or “funny.”

You should also note that “uh-oh” comes after the accidental mishap has taken place, not before. Saying “uh-oh” right before you intentionally throw your plate of food on the floor is not acceptable.

When you tug and pull until you’ve ripped the flap off the page of your “lift the flap” book, don’t say “uh-oh.” You did it on purpose. I know you’re at that age of experimentation and all, but you’ve already ripped all the frogs out of your pop-up book and I can’t stand watching books get destroyed. Also, when you stand up in your crib and throw your Lovey out onto the floor, that is not an uh-oh. I know it’s a fun game for you and I don’t mind it at all, but I’d prefer if you said something like, “Mother, will you please hand me back my Lovey so I can throw him out again?”

One notable exception: when “uh-oh” is being used to refer to an earlier mishap. For example, the other day Turtle fell in the driveway and scraped her knee, and it bled a little and had to be cleaned up with Neosporin. Throughout the evening and all the next day, Turtle pointed to her scraped knee every now and then and said, “uh-oh,” apparently as a reminder of the incident, and/or to let us know that her ouchie still hurt. While this is not the traditional usage, it is extremely cute and will be allowed to continue. However, when you (Turtle) bite your sister so hard that it leaves a bruise, pointing at the bite bruise the next day and saying “uh-oh” is not appropriate. So not appropriate.

Now that the proper use of “uh oh” has been thoroughly explained, there is no reason to misuse the phrase any longer. Thank you for your attention to this matter.