How A James Bond-Style Covert Government Mission Created An Annoying Catchphrase

A secret mission to the bottom of the ocean goes wrong, and the government’s response? “We can neither confirm nor deny.” It’s a phrase that took half an hour to dream up but might take a thousand years to go away.

By

Rollie Williams

Mar 28, 2014

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How A James Bond-Style Covert Government Mission Created An Annoying Catchphrase

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More for You

A wife erased her own name from Schindler’s List to save her husband. She kept it secret for 50 years.

You walk into a room of strangers. Everyone’s talking in groups. Instead of freezing, do this.

A struggling beach town needed tourists, so its postmaster sank a mailbox 30 feet underwater

92-year-old woman leaves a voicemail for her best friend’s daughter. It’s one she’ll never delete.

Florida teacher was fired after giving zeroes to students who didn’t turn in their assignments

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Featured

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis admit they rarely bathe their kids, or themselves

Dad gives a masterclass in accountability after yelling at his young son

Quadriplegic man shows off his custom Hoyer lift truck that helps him run lawn care business

Woman’s childhood dog shows up unexpectedly in Google Maps search, and millions relate