“DAD!” — Stop being unreasonable. Of course I’m wearing this blouse with a low-plunging neckline on my first date with the guy. Or, why should I give up a Friday night with my friends just because you want me to babysit my younger sisters?

“Daaaaad!” — You are humiliating me in front of other people. I mean someone might see me getting out of my father’s car at the mall and they would think I m weird. Or, why are you coming upstairs during my sleepover dressed in boxer shorts and a T-shirt?

“Dad?” — Depending upon context, it may mean “Can four of my friends sleepover tonight?” or “Can I have the car?” or “Can you drive me to the theater, but drop me off two blocks away?” Either way, adjust your plans.

“Daddy?” — Don t answer, just open your wallet, take out a $20, give it to your daughter and keep your mouth shut. It s best you don t know.

“Quit yelling at me” — Your simple comment that you thought you saw something scurry underneath the massive pile of laundry on her bedroom floor was misinterpreted as yelling. May also apply to any grownup who dares suggest that she lower her voice or turn down the music. Sometimes applies to a teacher who asks her to sit down and quit talking with her friends as in “I can’t stand English! All Mrs. Smith does is yell at me.”

“Yes, my homework is done” — Yes, she has actually formulated a plan in her mind for getting the homework done. But, what she needs is the night off with her friends to give her the energy to get the project done five minutes before class starts tomorrow.

“I don t know” — A true statement, it actually means she’s absolutely clueless. Often used in response to simple questions like, “When are you going to clean your room?” or “When will you pay me for your $80 cell phone bill?”

“I cleaned my room” — What would actually have taken you the better part of a week to do, she has completed in 20 minutes. When you go to inspect her cleaning job, the floor will be completely clear, the visible carpet vacuumed and the tops all furniture dusted. Just don’t open the closet doors or look under the bed.

“Everybody hates me” — Actually, one person teased her or made a comment that made her feel uncomfortable, angry, hurt, sad, etc.

“I’m going to take a shower” — I certainly hope everyone in the house has taken a shower because, by the time I’m through, there will be enough hot water left in the 30-gallon heater tank to make a nice lukewarm cup of tea.

“Can I have the car?” — This doesn’t imply ownership as in “Can I be fully responsible for making monthly payment and for all licensing, insurance and upkeep?” Actually, it is more appropriately translated into, “I hope you don’t have any plans tonight that require transportation.” It can also mean, “I certainly hope the fuel tank is full because after spending $60 on a pair of shoes, I don’t have any money left for gas.”

“My cell phone died” — Despite the ability to remain locked in her room talking with friends for hours on end without draining the battery, this statement is generally made only when her father is attempting to reach her, and most often after curfew. Its subconscious intention is to mean “Don’t ever call me when I am hanging out with my friends.” In rare instances, it can mean the battery is dead because she either pushed the device to the brink of its capability or the charger is hopelessly lost in her room.

“Justafriend” — A member of the opposite sex for whom the traditional rules of dating need not apply. Often used to mean, “Don t worry about me going over to Jason’s house to watch movies in his basement bedroom while his parents are away for the weekend. He’s justafriend.”