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Newguest Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary

Haven't we been ...

Hi

A situation:

Two people (X and Y) are talking about the third person (Z). The third person (Z) comes up to them and then one of them says, playfully: "Haven't we been talking about her perchance?" or maybe "Haven't we talked about her perchance?" or maybe a different tense would be more appropriate here?
  

Top answer

The word "perchance" is verging on obsolete. In everyday conversation it would be used only for light-hearted effect or as a deliberate archaism. Perhaps that is what you intended by "playfully".

— GPY

  • The word "perchance" is verging on obsolete.
  • In everyday conversation it would be used only for light-hearted effect or as a deliberate archaism.
  • Perhaps that is what you intended by "playfully".
  • Even so, I don't think the meaning of "perchance" is really required.
  • ".
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4 Answers
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The word "perchance" is verging on obsolete. In everyday conversation it would be used only for light-hearted effect or as a deliberate archaism. Perhaps that is what you intended by "playfully". Even so, I don't think the meaning of "perchance" is really required. Probably I would say "Weren't we just talking about her?".
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it's not usually polite to refer to someone in your conversational group in 3rd person, eg as 'her'.
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Cliveit's not usually polite to refer to someone in your conversational group in 3rd person, eg as 'her'.
I think if done "playfully" it would be OK.
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NewguestTwo people (X and Y) are talking about the third person (Z). The third person (Z) comes up to them
Here is a very typical American response which fits your scenario much better, in my opinion. X or Y says, "Speak of the devil!"

I believe the British also say it, or something similar, though I can't remember exactly.

CJ
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