5 Reasons Why "This, That, And The Third" Is The Secret Key To Communication And Pop Culture

The phrase "This, That, and The Third" is more than just a casual placeholder for a list of unmentioned items; it is a fascinating linguistic artifact that taps into one of the most fundamental principles of human communication: the Rule of Three. As of December 14, 2025, the enduring appeal of this triad structure continues to shape how we tell stories, absorb information, and even market products, proving that for the human brain, three is the magic number. This idiom, often used interchangeably with "this, that, and the other," acts as a verbal ellipsis, signaling that a conversation is moving quickly through a variety of topics—from gossip and personal anecdotes to a list of chores or complex problems. The simple addition of "the third" elevates the list from a vague duality to a complete, memorable, and rhythmically satisfying unit, which is why it has cemented its place in informal speech across various cultures.

The Linguistic Roots of "This, That, and The Third"

The core function of the phrase "this, that, and the third" is to provide a sense of completeness without requiring the speaker to detail every single item. It is a rhetorical device used to summarize a multitude of things.

Understanding the Idiom's Meaning and Usage

In most contexts, the phrase means "several different things" or "a variety of unspecified items." For instance, if someone asks what you did over the weekend, you might reply, "Oh, I ran errands, cleaned the house, and then there was this, that, and the third," implying a host of other minor, less important activities. * As a Placeholder: It serves to quickly move past mundane or irrelevant details. * As an Intensifier: It can be an "up the ante" variation of "I know a thing or two," suggesting a deeper, more comprehensive knowledge of a subject. * In Gossip: It is sometimes used informally to refer to a compilation of "he said, she said" or a flow of excessive gossip and stories. While the more traditional and formal idiom is "this, that, and the other," the substitution of "the third" has gained traction, particularly in modern, informal conversation and among certain communities, showing how language constantly evolves.

The Unverified *Ender's Game* Connection

One popular, though unverified, claim suggests the term gained prominence or originated from the science fiction novel *Ender's Game*. The book's setting, which features a future Earth with strict family size limits due to overpopulation, often forces characters to navigate complex social and bureaucratic systems. While this specific origin is often attributed to online folklore, it highlights the phrase's utility in summarizing complicated, multi-faceted issues that are too numerous to list—a perfect fit for a dense sci-fi world.

The Unbeatable Power of Three in Pop Culture and Marketing

The reason "this, that, and the third" feels so natural and effective lies in a concept known as the Rule of Three. This principle dictates that information or ideas presented in three parts are inherently more humorous, satisfying, and memorable than any other number. The brain is wired to seek patterns, and the triad offers the perfect structure: setup, escalation, and punchline/conclusion.

1. Slogans and Advertising

Some of the most enduring and effective slogans in marketing history are built on the Rule of Three. They create a rhythmic, easily digestible message that sticks in the consumer's mind. * Veni, Vidi, Vici: (I came, I saw, I conquered) - The ultimate historical triad. * Stop, Look, and Listen: - A classic public safety mantra. * Faith, Hope, and Charity: - The theological virtues. * Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: - The modern environmentalist's creed. The use of three terms provides a comprehensive feeling—a sense of totality—that two terms would lack, and four or more would complicate.

2. Storytelling and Comedy

From ancient oral traditions to modern cinema, the three-part structure is the backbone of narrative. * Fairy Tales: Stories like *The Three Little Pigs*, *Goldilocks and the Three Bears*, and the granting of three wishes are common examples. * Film Structure: Most movies follow a three-act structure: Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution. * Comedy: Comedic timing often relies on the Rule of Three, where the first two items establish a pattern, and the third breaks it for a punchline.

3. Pop Culture Games and Trends

The concept is so pervasive that it has inspired popular party games. The board game "This That & Everything: Popular Culture Party Game" challenges players to quickly describe people, places, and things related to pop culture for their teammates to guess. This game’s title directly references the linguistic triad, leveraging its inherent familiarity and broad scope (everything in pop culture).

The Psychological Phenomenon Behind Triads

The reason the Rule of Three—the underlying engine of "this, that, and the third"—is so effective is rooted in cognitive psychology and how the human brain processes information. This phenomenon contributes significantly to our topical authority on the subject.

The Three Cognitive Pillars

The preference for information in groups of three is based on three key psychological principles:

A. Pacing and Rhythm (The Triadic Rhythm)

The cadence of three words or phrases creates a natural, memorable rhythm. It provides a sense of momentum that is satisfying to the listener. Two items feel incomplete, while four or more begin to feel like a list that requires cognitive effort. Three is the sweet spot for maximum impact with minimum processing load.

B. Pattern Recognition and Completion

The human brain is a pattern-seeking machine. When we hear "this" and "that," the brain immediately anticipates a third element to complete the pattern. This expectation is known as closure. The third item provides the necessary resolution, making the entire concept feel whole and finished. This is why the phrase "this, that, and the third" works better than just "this and that" to summarize a multitude of topics.

C. The Principle of Unity and Totality

In rhetoric, three points are often the minimum required to establish a comprehensive argument. The first point introduces the idea, the second provides support, and the third solidifies the conclusion. Together, they create a cohesive unit that suggests totality or completeness, implying that all necessary bases have been covered.

Why "The Third" Endures in Modern Speech

The continuing relevance of "this, that, and the third" in contemporary language is a testament to the enduring power of the triad in communication. It is a versatile, efficient, and psychologically pleasing way to communicate a complex reality. The phrase allows for: * Efficiency: Summarizing endless details in three short words. * Memorability: The rhythmic structure is easy to recall and repeat. * Relatability: It acknowledges the messy, multi-faceted nature of life, where there's always an extra, unnamed element lurking. Whether you are discussing the latest pop culture moments, detailing a list of errands, or just catching up on gossip, the linguistic shortcut of "this, that, and the third" remains a powerful, subtle tool in the modern communicator's arsenal. It is the verbal acknowledgment that life is rarely simple, but always best understood in threes.