When did everyone’s stock conversation response become ‘Interesting…’?  I hear it constantly these days.  At first, I thought it was just my friend Yaw who said it.  He’s always said it, as long as I can remember.  Then I realized my dad used it, then my mom, then my roommate, Missy.  Now I hear it frequently at work and even passing conversations held on the street.

I suppose there are worse retorts one could throw my way in conversation. (‘Yeah Meg, I don’t care,’ would be a great example.)  Still, I feel like it’s become some sort of phenomenon and I’m curious as to the origin.  Did I miss an episode (or seven) of this season’s The Office and that’s the new catch phrase made cool by Michael?

Someone clue me in please.