I have a different experience with the new "satisfying" that goes back a bit further and is less tied to sensory modality. I remember people using it at least as far back as when I was in college 8ish years ago for videos of things like powerwashing, organizing messy spaces (see Marie Kondo for a more recent example), and (gag) pimple popping. To me there is a sense of catharsis involved that extends well to some of your examples: the pickleball arcs through the air while we wait for the inevitable collision; the fidget popper is depressed on one side further and further until the instant pop to the other side relieves the tension. I think the mechanically-transducing senses enhance the effect but aren't actually necessary, at least for the people I know who use it (the just under 30 crowd).
I listened to this episode when it first aired and just gave it another listen. This was a really enlightening one! I remember immediately after listening to this episode how much I was noticing people use the word "satisfying" in the way John describes. It's a real phenomenon. My remaining question is why I don't use the word that way...
These are a few of my favorite things: dyson vacuums, jelly doughnuts, disassembling guns. And then I am satisfied.
To the tune of Favorite Things from the Sound of Mucous
I have a different experience with the new "satisfying" that goes back a bit further and is less tied to sensory modality. I remember people using it at least as far back as when I was in college 8ish years ago for videos of things like powerwashing, organizing messy spaces (see Marie Kondo for a more recent example), and (gag) pimple popping. To me there is a sense of catharsis involved that extends well to some of your examples: the pickleball arcs through the air while we wait for the inevitable collision; the fidget popper is depressed on one side further and further until the instant pop to the other side relieves the tension. I think the mechanically-transducing senses enhance the effect but aren't actually necessary, at least for the people I know who use it (the just under 30 crowd).
I listened to this episode when it first aired and just gave it another listen. This was a really enlightening one! I remember immediately after listening to this episode how much I was noticing people use the word "satisfying" in the way John describes. It's a real phenomenon. My remaining question is why I don't use the word that way...
Look up Norm Macdonald clips on Conan, he used the quotative marker all the time to sound old-timey.
He watches MSNBC - I could have saw that!
Must disagree about "could have went." Can't imagine any circumstance where that wouldn't hurt my ears.