Comments by "EebstertheGreat" (@EebstertheGreat) on "Batteries aren't the only way to store energy. Here's another." video.

  1.  @seigeengine  It's not really false modesty. For people who aren't wealthy, it's just honesty, and it's a way of deflecting the discomfort from the false implication that you splurged on whatever nonsense they are complimenting. "Wow, what a beautiful cushion you have." "Oh, uh, thanks, I saw it on clearance and thought it looked nice." A lot of times it's also a genuine tip. "Oh, you think so? If you need some new cushions, you can get these at Pottery Barn for $14.99!" For people who are wealthy, maybe it's honest and maybe it isn't, but it still deflects from the idea that they are flaunting their wealth. If they were really trying to do that, they would respond with "yes, this pillow cost me $200, but I think it's totally worth it." Since they definitely aren't, they'll give an excuse for having a seemingly expensive pillow. It's almost an apology. I guess it can be annoying, but I much prefer it to the people who advertise how expensive all their junk is. "Yeah, I'm hot shit, I just spent $500 gazillion on these limited rims."
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  2.  @seigeengine  It's a cultural thing. Some people have different expectations in conversations. They understand things in different ways. Otaku's quote is a stereotype of a behavior that really does happen and makes sense to a lot of people (and not just Midwesterners). It's usually just an attempt to smooth out a conversation, but it sometimes doesn't work if people have mismatched expectations. It's like how some people find "you're welcome" pretentious and others find "no problem" ungrateful. It's not some sort of character flaw.
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  3. That said, I find it very annoying when people point out that the mortgage on their mansion costs less than the rent for my 2-bedroom apartment.
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  4.  @2009dudeman  Coupon-clipping is definitely a hobby of the previous generation. But there is a difference between saying that you got something on sale and saying that you got the best bargain in town. Both happen I guess, so that's two reasons you would say it.
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