The phrase “La Ti Da” is an expression used to indicate a carefree, nonchalant, or dismissive attitude. It suggests a lighthearted unconcern, often for things that would typically be regarded as important or serious. The phrase has its origins in music but has expanded into broader conversational usage over time.
Origin and History
The exact origins of the phrase “La Ti Da” are unclear, but it first emerged in music in the early 20th century. It appears to have origins as a nonsensical vocal melody used in scat singing, where singers improvise melodies using nonsense syllables. The first known use of the phrase comes from the song “La Ti Da” written by Sam Coslow and Arthur Johnston in 1930.
In the song, the phrase “La Ti Da” is repeated frequently in a light, swinging rhythm, evoking a carefree and nonchalant feeling. Scat syllables like “La Ti Da” were commonplace in jazz singing at the time. The phrase caught on partially due to its musicality and sing-song, almost hypnotic rhythm.
The song “La Ti Da” was recorded by numerous jazz and swing artists in the 1930s and 40s, helping to popularize the phrase. Notable recordings were made by Billy Cotton, Ted Weems, and Ella Fitzgerald. As the phrase appeared in more songs and recordings, it transitioned from a musical lyric to a colloquial saying.
Usage in Conversation
By the 1950s, “La Ti Da” had entered the vernacular as a spoken expression conveying indifference or dismissal. One of the earliest examples of this transition is in the 1951 Broadway musical and film Call Me Madam, where a character uses the phrase in conversation, showing its migration from song to speech.
In conversation, “la ti da” suggests an airy disregard for the serious, tedious, or unpleasant. For example, one might say “I’ve got bills to pay, but la ti da, I’ll worry about that later” or “He’s upset we’re late, but la ti da, it’s just a casual get-together.” The phrase brushed off concerns in a lighthearted way.
This conversational usage increased over the latter 20th century and persists today. “La Ti Da” appears in dictionaries as an interjection meaning absentmindedly, without concern, or in a mildly dismissive way.
Meaning and Nuance
Exactly what meaning and attitude “La Ti Da” conveys depends a bit on context. It can be used in a variety of ways:
- To dismiss something as trivial or unimportant
- To brush off responsibility or avoid showing concern
- As an expression of blithe indifference or nonchalance
- To casually change an unpleasant subject
- To express mild disapproval or disdain for something
“La Ti Da” suggests an avoidance of serious thought or consequences. The phrase varies from playful to mocking depending on the situation and tone of voice.
Similar Expressions
Many cultures have expressions conveying similar meanings to “La Ti Da.” Some equivalent phrases include:
- French – “Et alors” (“So what?”)
- Yiddish – “Nu?” (“So?”)
- Russian – “I chto?” (“And what of it?”)
- Spanish – “Qué más da” (“What does it matter?”)
In English, comparable sayings include:
- “No big deal”
- “Whatever”
- “That’s not my problem”
- “Meh”
Like “La Ti Da,” these phrases offhandedly downplay the importance of something in an flippant or dismissive manner.
Usage in Pop Culture
As a catchy and evocative saying, “La Ti Da” has been referenced many times in popular television, movies, and music:
- The Flintstones animated series included a recurring character named “La Ti Da”
- The Simpsons referenced it in an episode where Homer sings “La Ti Da, gotta get a soda”
- Lady Gaga included it in her hit song “Poker Face,” singing “La Ti Da, La Ti Da”
- Rapper Jay-Z’s song “Empire State of Mind” features the line “Feeling it, feeling it, la ti da”
The phrase conveys a carefree attitude fitting for pop culture contexts. However, it can also sometimes imply flippancy regarding more serious matters.
Criticism and Controversy
The blithe unconcern of “La Ti Da” has led to criticism when the phrase is perceived as too dismissive, especially regarding weighty social issues. Starting in the 1960s civil rights era, some have accused “La Ti Da” as embodying white privilege and neglect of racial injustices when used flippantly.
More broadly, the saying risks appearing insensitive and oblivious if uttered in inappropriate contexts. Critics have variously described “La Ti Da” as:
- Frivolous
- Apathetic
- Privileged
- Naive
- Sexist
- Racist
- Offensive
Essentially, while “La Ti Da” can indicate lighthearted nonchalance, interpreters sometimes associate it with more negligent meanings like apathy, dismissiveness, or willful ignorance. This divides opinion on the phrase’s appropriateness.
Defining Appropriate Usage
Because critics associate “La Ti Da” with unconcern and obliviousness, mass usage declines when conscientiousness increases on certain issues. For example, the phrase diminished around issues like civil rights in the 1960s. Some guidelines for appropriate usage include:
- Avoid flippantly dismissing others’ serious concerns
- Don’t apply dismissively to weighty societal matters
- Use playfully rather than mockingly
- Ensure tone doesn’t convey disregard for others’ perspectives
With care for context, “La Ti Da” can retain its lighthearted sense of unburdened ease without detracting from more important issues.
Conclusion
The saying “La Ti Da” has its roots in 20th century jazz music and scat singing but transitioned into a spoken idiom indicating indifference or nonchalance. Its exact meaning varies by context from playful to mocking. Critics have sometimes associated the phrase with privileged obliviousness to serious societal concerns. However, when used mindfully, “La Ti Da” serves as a whimsical way to casually change the subject or momentarily set concerns aside without dismissiveness. Tracking the history of the phrase provides insight into connotations ranging from blithe to negligent indifference.