It’s time to set some new rules around use of the phrase “in this economy.”

Rule number one: If the extra fee you’re talking about can be counted on your hands, “in this economy” does not apply.

Example, courtesy the Star:

Cathy Dernick’s eyes widen in surprise as she learns that come June 1, she’s supposed to start charging customers at her north Toronto women’s clothing shop five cents for every plastic shopping bag they use.

“I didn’t know that,” says Dernick, then adds: “Poop. In this economy.”

Her customers are buying clothes. And they’re going to care about 5 or 10 extra cents?

We need more rules to rein this in. More suggestions/examples?