"It is what it is." What exactly does that mean? 

I am hearing that phrase more and more each day. It is what it is, is not an answer, explanation, or a solution. It's a cop-out. Translation, the person does not know how to form a reasonable answer to a question. 

This happens alot in my line of work. From college to the pros, It is what it is, is running rampant in the sports world. And it needs to stop. 

I think when athletes go to there forum on how to deal with the media. The genius that is giving the lecture tells them, "if you don't want to answer a reporters questions just use It is what it is as a fall back." 

Everytime I hear that phrase I want to scream, so from now on whenever I get that as an answer to one of my questions, my response will always be, "then what is it?" 

IT, is not an answer, explanation or a solution. 
Let's stop the madness now.