MEME REFERENCE

First rule of the Fight Club

Use to remind a group that a subject is secret, forbidden to discuss, or governed by an unspoken rule of silence.

What it expresses

Membership in an activity carries a primary norm against talking about it.

Example

A colleague starts mentioning the office surprise party in the public channel, so you respond with the first-rule line.

When not to use it

Someone reports harassment through the proper channel; invoking secrecy would suppress necessary disclosure rather than make a joke.

• first rule
• secrecy
• do not talk
• Fight Club