When we say “in a weird way” now, we often are letting you know: I recognize that what I am about to say may seem unclear, impressionistic, or strange; I haven’t completely sorted it out — and I am trying to figure it out as I speak.
At The Millions, Ivan Kreilkamp traces the history of the phrase “in a weird way” from early 19th century sermons up to a 2014 interview with electro-industrial band Skinny Puppy.