AEE 2607: Connection 101

The phrase "[Subject] 101" functions as a versatile, idiomatic expression for identifying foundational knowledge or introductory skills beyond its academic origins. Originally denoting entry-level college courses, the construction now serves as a shorthand for basic proficiency in everyday activities like cooking, hairstyling, or driving. Using this expression allows speakers to acknowledge gaps in their own knowledge through self-deprecation or to playfully tease others about tasks they should theoretically have mastered. Because this language can easily veer into insult, it requires careful social calibration based on the relationship between speakers. Ultimately, sharing these vulnerabilities—such as lacking basic skills like parallel parking or French braiding—acts as a powerful mechanism for building rapport and connection, transforming potential embarrassment into a shared, lighthearted moment of human interaction.