I don't remember anyone using this passive-aggressive response after third grade. Forty years ago, though, kids at my grade school would tell other kids about something they were happy about--getting a good grade on a test or assignment, getting their quip or story published in the school paper, or having an enjoyable birthday. In response, a disinterested student would sing the jingle, "Good for you, Special K!"
As "Whatever" responses went, that was fairly mild. No one sang that jingle to me, nor did I sing it to anyone. Still, I sometimes hoped a teacher or principal would walk by and stare at students who sang that--and that the students would catch on and think, "OK...If I don't have a polite response to a polite statement, I won't respond at all."
