You never know what word or phrase will be the magic one(s) that may set off a verbal or physical storm.

I have two dear friends in the community I live in. One is from Staten Island, New York ( as is my wife), and her spouse is a native of South Africa. They get along like most couples—mostly happy moments and occasional spats.

Recently, my male friend, went on Ozempic and, with it , a very healthy, nutritional diet. In fact, he would take pictures of what his wife prepared for dinner and send them to his mother, an expert in nutrition, for her approval .

On the night in question, apparently the wife thought her presentation of broiled salmon and broccoli needed no validation.

Somehow, the husband told her to “Shut up” . Well she went ballistic as the phrase reminded her of earlier times in her life when “shut up” was worse than FU.

She went on to throw forks and other utensils at her husband, who fortunately ducked at the right time.

“Shut up” is a video that immortalizes this kitchen war in graphic and sometimes hilarious ways.

The couple has moved on from this battle and is doing well, just so long as the magic words were never uttered.