Approval Hell

HAVE you noticed that Americans no longer use the word shocked except when imitating the Claude Rains character in Casablanca?

His signature line is a favorite of media pundits who like to show off their knowledge of how Washington really works: “He was shocked, shocked to find bribery and influence-peddling!” Even though the Rains character was a suave sophisticate and thoroughgoing cynic, his line is used regularly in group discussions when one commentator wants to make another look naive, e.g., “I see you are shocked, shocked to learn that the FBI lied.”

About the Author

Florence King

Florence King was a contributing editor of National Review.

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HAVE you noticed that Americans no longer use the word shocked except when imitating the Claude Rains character in Casablanca?

His signature line is a favorite of media pundits who like to show off their knowledge of how Washington really works: “He was shocked, shocked to find bribery and influence-peddling!” Even though the Rains character was a suave sophisticate and thoroughgoing cynic, his line is used regularly in group discussions when one commentator wants to make another look naive, e.g., “I see you are shocked, shocked to learn that the FBI lied.”