you can call me a S.O.B, but you are going to do it long distance

[uommmmm]

I can't understand the meaning of this quotation: ""you can call me a S.O.B, but you are going to do it long distance"

 

[Glasguensis]

Which part of it do you not understand? What is the source of the quotation? Is there any context to the quotation?

 

[uommmmm]

It is quotation of Dr.Phil McGraw, I can't understand the whole quotation, and there isn't context, because the quotation is subtitle of a chapter.

 

[Barque]

Doesn't the chapter provide you some context? The sub-title probably relates to the content of the chapter.

My guess is that it means "You don't have the guts to call me an S.O.B to my face" or possibly "If you are going to call me an S.O.B, you'd better make sure you aren't in front of me when you do".

 

[fiercediva]

I have a dim recollection of it having something to do with cutting off contact with people who habitually bring negativity to the lives of others. Perhaps the main title of the chapter would yield a clue?

 

[Barque]

While the name sounded familiar, I couldn't recollect who Phil McGraw was. I just looked him up and I think fiercediva's suggestion is more likely to be right.

 

[velisarius]

It's quoted slightly differently here:
One of Dr.Phil's best quotes which he has said many times tis "you can call me a son of a bitch as much as you want but you will be doing it long distance".
http://community.drphil.com/profile.blog/DrPhilBoard1/?EntryID=33588&Page=22

I could say that in other words as, "if you persist in being obnoxious I don't want to have anything more to do with you - just stay away from me".

 

[RM1(SS)]

My first thought was "You can call me that as much as you want but you'd better not do it when you're close enough that I can hit you."

 

[velisarius]

Yes RM, I suppose it could be read equally well with or without the veiled threat.

 

[uommmmm]

thank you