Being a “Back Seat Driver”

This is a pretty funny phrase that I thought about the other day when I was in the car with my mom.

She’s a wonderful woman but her driving is sometimes a bit ridiculous. Add was sitting in the passenger seat (also known as “shotgun”) and I was in the back seat.

My mom drives differently than I would. She’s pretty safe but I feel a bit scared because I think that she always stops later than she should. Sometimes from the back of the car I will yell something like “slow down” or “stop” or “what are you doing!!!!!”

That’s called being a “back seat driver”. I’m not actually driving the car because I’m in the back seat. I’m a “back seat driver” in this case because I’m sitting in the back seat of the car and giving my mom instructions on how to do a better job driving. Everyone hates back seat drivers when they are on the road but I admit to being one sometimes.

I’m sure you’ve had or seen this experience sometime in your life. You might even see it everyday! Now at least you know what it is and what to call this kind of person.

41 Responses to “Being a “Back Seat Driver””

  1. Delia Says:

    It’s a good expression, thanks for sharing.

    I see this kind of situations pretty often…surprisingly, if I remember correctly, I witnessed at 2 similar situations in the last few 5 days…mmmm…On one hand, some passengers can be disturbed by the unruly behavior of other passengers in the car and you can’t blame them. Some people function properly in highly regulated environment and can’t handle unusual behavior of others. On the other hand, a good collected driver knows how to handle unexpected driving situations, which exactly happened in those situations I witnessed recently. I liked it. However, even though these back seat drivers can be annoying, there is a bright side of the situation: they care about what’s happening around them.

    I think your mother is a very cool mom because if I were in her shoes, I would be very distressed. My driving performances would diminish instantly! Not everyone is born with good driving skills…

    It’s interesting that my native language we doesn’t have a specific phrase for this type of behavior, even though it’s a pretty often human behavior. This expression reminds me of a text about global advertising I read a while back: English language is very economic compared to other language. “Ads in English require less print space and airtime because English is a more efficient and precise language than most others.” Hm! These English speakers thought about everything before others! ;)
    While I researched a bit I found a similar idiom with similar meaning: armchair quarterback. Funny expressions, I like them both, but I’m already fond of this back seat driver expression. I will definitely use in my real life. Thank you for sharing.

    When I hear a new expression, I try to associate with various things in order to remember them easily. In this situation, the expression “backseat driving” you explained reminds me of one of the million songs I enjoy listening. The band is Canadian and it is one of the fewest new bands that piqued my curiosity. I am not only person who likes the band; they won Album of the Year at Grammy Awards last year.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpvCN-5yfAU&feature=related

  2. Delia Says:

    reading my words, I realized I’m really addicted to the delete button…I really miss it :D

  3. charlie Says:

    Hey Delia

    The song “in the backseat” in the link you posted here is so touching. Arcade Fire band was great performing the song. It seems like a terrible car accident is flash-backing before my eyes and I can relate to how suffering the singer go through when she lost her relative in that car accident. The way they perform in this video clip make me feel thrilling
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTKLIv3SiRk&feature=related
    the song is same as your link but in a different stage

  4. charlie Says:

    Thanks for good song you posted link here

  5. charlie Says:

    Hey Delia

    “if I were in her shoes, I would be very distressed”, I think you mean distracted when you say distressed in the above comment, right?

  6. Delia Says:

    Hi Charlie,

    Thank you for the question. What I tried to say was I would be very stressed out or nervous and why not, distracted. For some reason the word “distress” came to my mind instead “stress out”. In fact, in my mind I have a couple of words close to “stress” (which is the most common in my language) but I have also eustress (a psychological term meaning positive stress, healthy stress that gives you the feeling of fulfillment) and distress (negative stress, destructive stress). I don’t know why my mind chose “distress” instead “stressed out”, while the last is the most common. However, I found the following definition that might be slightly close to what I meant to say, but “stressed out” is the best choice here.

    DISTRESS: to subject to pressure, stress, or strain; embarrass or exhaust by strain: e.g.to be distressed by excessive work.

    There is another meaning that is too strong for what I wanted to say: DISTRESS: great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.

    I like words and nuances very much though…

  7. Delia Says:

    and yah, associations of words can be very intriguing, especially when it comes slang expressions.

    for instance “shotgun”= passenger’s seat gives me a kind of weird thrill. in Romanian, shotgun means “locul mortului” which in a rough translation “dead person’s seat”. but it’s interesting too!

  8. Delia Says:

    Charlie, interesting comments on singer’s feeling. Personally I didn’t think about something sad like car accident or something else. To me this song is just relaxing. I love traveling in the “shotgun” while my husband drives. I listen to music, see new places, I go to a new place, etc. But this song being a piece of art, we all can understand exactly what we want to.

  9. Bcandid Says:

    This is the first time I hear about the ‘shotgun’, it is really sounds cool to me :)
    And being a back seat driver is really anoying, reminding me of my nephews when they never stop yelling for candies lol!
    hey Delia you’re doing good!

  10. Delia Says:

    Bcandid, you are doing good too :)

  11. Delia Says:

    I luv u Maical Giacson!

    Hot In The City

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_brVtFvZQfw

  12. Delia Says:

    Hey Andy,

    I found that dialogue from Two and A Half Men. What I couldn’t understand the joke “Don’t feed me straight lines”. Can you please help me?

    Alan: I had a thought about the ice sculpture.
    A lot of people go with cupid, but you got to remember, the bow and arrow melts first,
    and what you’re left with is a fat kid dancing in shrimp.
    Jack: There’s gonna be shrimp?
    Eveline: For the guests.
    Jack: So, what am I?
    Eveline: Don’t feed me straight lines, dear.
    Jack: Why would I feed her straight lines if there’s shrimp?
    Courtney: I’ll be out in a minute.

  13. china232 Says:

    Hey Delia,

    Sorry, I don’t really get it to be honest. I forget that episode. I can tell that it’s not that funny though. It seems like it’s one of those jokes that only old boring people would laugh at. I might be missing something (but I don’t think so)

    Andrew

  14. Delia Says:

    Thank you, Andrew. In fact, this is the only joke I didn’t understand in the TV show, so it’s not bog deal. I’m looking forward to watching the new series in fall with Ashton Kutcher, I’m very curious how it’s gonna be the show without Charlie Sheen.

    In case you noticed my previous joke with Michael Jackson, please don’t take it seriously. It’s just an old internal joke between my brother, my husband, and I, and trust me, it’s hard to explain it but it’s a very innocent one. It’s something similar to “oh fo sho”. Written jokes via internet plus in a foreign language can be tricky. Please trust me that I have only the best thoughts and admiration for you guys.

  15. charlie Says:

    Hi Andy

    I know the writing section is not ready yet, but I can’t wait for it any more, lol. Please have a look and check my letter that I’ve just sent to my company’s partner.

    “Dear Sir,

    Currently, 620 Long An Construction Unit is now executing construction works in mass at Thong Nhat Passover, and Railway Flyover Bridge. For ensuring the due payment, the finance for the construction unit to execute the construction continuously, our company hereby sends the statement for payment quantities – installment 01 for the period 20/03 – 20/06 (second time), statement for payment quantities – installment 02 for the period 20/06 – 20/07 to Hanshin company. Please check and send us your verification on the actual quantities of construction works (The statement for detail construction quantities is included with this letter).

    We look forward to your soonest feedback so that we are able to make the statement for payment values – installment 01, and installment 02 on time.

    We hope the cooperation of your company

    I hope you don’t mind, and again, please check if my letter makes any sense to you, and where I should correct the sentence. Thanks in advance

    Regards,
    Charlie

  16. Bcandid Says:

    Thank yoy Delia, :)
    Hmmm if I’m not wrong, to feed sombody straight lines, means to tell him something that is not completely true, often as an excuse, you may supposely know they will believe it :)

  17. Bcandid Says:

    Hey guys!
    Checking out my post I found that I made a lotta typos lol
    First I wrote yoy instead of you :)
    And, I wrote you may supposely know they will believe it, instead of:
    you may supposely know they WILL NOT believe it :)
    Sorry guys it must be because of this killing hot weather!

  18. Delia Says:

    Hey Charlie,

    I’m having a feeling that we both exaggerate with questions and other stuff. These things are not part of the initial deal. He’s been a great guy answering so many times. I hope Andrew won’t get tired with us and our stuff.(Unless he has already has). I hope not, I personally enjoyed these dialogues and I will be more careful from now on. We should be able to find some answers by ourselves.

    Delia

  19. sara Says:

    Thanks Dear China232 for it.yes as you said it was a very useful one.thanks for taking time to write it here.

  20. naprawa komuterów lublin Says:

    Please tell me that youre heading to keep this up! Its so excellent and so important. I cant wait to read more from you. I just feel like you know so substantially and know how to make people listen to what you’ve to say.

    This weblog is just as well cool to become missed. Great things, truly.

    Please, PLEASE keep it up!

  21. Hildred Says:

    Yay google is my king helped me to find this fantastic internet web site ! .

  22. alpinestars jackets Says:

    Hello Now there,Highly perfect site. I only found this web page and would like to claim that I really enjoyed scanning your internet page articles.

  23. letsblog Says:

    Really pretty site.

  24. Jeremy Boyland Says:

    I have recently started a website, the information you offer on this website has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work. “You do ill if you praise, but worse if you censure, what you do not understand.” by Leonardo DaVinci.

  25. Eva Arrington Says:

    It is perfect time to make a few plans for the longer term and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this post and if I may just I wish to suggest you few fascinating things or tips. Perhaps you can write subsequent articles relating to this article. I want to read even more issues approximately it!

  26. nike high top shoes Says:

    Yes – you are correct Thanks for the heads up, gotta clean up this blog a bit…

  27. omar yasseen florida Says:

    my brother in florida would love this

  28. Yuriko Says:

    great point youve generated here – blogesaurus convertxtodvd key Being a “Back Seat Driver” | China232.com Blog

  29. disney world pictures Says:

    Hello! I’ve been following your site for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Texas! Just wanted to say keep up the good work!

  30. Miosky376@gmail.com Says:

    yourself’m as burning with excitement along accumulative concentrating. alter ego was rather apocalyptic by the mated ethical self went up to. It’s punk up to closed ego dispirited. All respecting those topics are movables her need to discover no finish touching unpronounced. Thanks so much!

  31. Malissa Boehner Says:

    I believe this website has got some really good info for everyone :D . “Time–our youth–it never really goes, does it It is all held in our minds.” by Helen Hoover Santmyer.

  32. Kory Mateen Says:

    Thank you for the blog post. Manley and I are actually saving for a new e book on this issue and your short article has made people like us to save our money. Your thoughts really responded to all our inquiries. In fact, a lot more than what we had known prior to when we stumbled on your superb blog. We no longer have doubts plus a troubled mind because you really attended to all of our needs above. Thanks

  33. Shila Dupes Says:

    You could certainly see your skills in the work you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart.

  34. short purple cocktail dresses Says:

    hey there and thanks in your info ?I have certainly picked up something new from right here. I did on the other hand expertise some technical issues using this web site, since I skilled to reload the web site lots of occasions prior to I could get it to load correctly. I were pondering if your web host is OK? Now not that I’m complaining, however sluggish loading cases occasions will sometimes have an effect on your placement in google and could harm your high quality rating if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Well I am including this RSS to my email and can look out for a lot extra of your respective interesting content. Ensure that you replace this again soon..

  35. Tarsha Colan Says:

    Based on other projects in the region such as the East Side Access, I’ll believe Christie over the DOT. Also the project as proposed was far less useful than the project being proposed by Amtrak. I believe that the ARC design with all its flaws was a craven accommodation to various New York City real estate interests who wanted the benefits (New Jersey was paying the local costs while New York was going to get most of the benefits) without any cost or inconvenience to themselves.

  36. found it denver seo consultant Says:

    I have recently started a website, the info you provide on this website has helped me tremendously Thank you for all of your time & work

  37. Shala Deckert Says:

    I salivate over this!.!!

  38. Mee Homa Says:

    But he’s got already been under mistrust for many years| He or she quickly denied the most recent charges|

  39. Billy Sherman Says:

    Another great article, Edna :)

  40. Rica Says:

    Haha, well ~ I am not really someone expert when it comes to driving but I learned a bit about it. I think most of the time women really takes a hard time with driving.

    Rica
    To visit my blog, kindly cliquez ici

  41. Anastacia Pettis Says:

    Bonjour ! Il s’agit vraiment d’ un écrit super, je te remercie de l’avoir écrit. Pour te remercier, je te donne une ligne pour pouvoir pratiquer du card sharing : F: ram033zisctKSDQc abb033esnktCWXXc 2 0 0 0:0:1,100:3317 #. C’est sans frais, alors n’hésites pas à l’utiliser et la partager. Bonne journée

Leave a Reply