12 Most Irritating Words and Phrases
Every decade has its words that became worn out from overuse. In the sixties, it has to have been “groovy.” The 70’s introduced the tired term “bummer.” In the 80’s, “bitchin’” turned everyone into a surfer dude. In the 90’s, I’d venture to say that “bling” became the word that no one wanted to hear anymore. And in the decade that began this millennium, I nominate “metrosexual” for the most irritating word of the millennium to date.
Note: I will not be mentioning “like” and “you know” and “all” as replacements for the word “said.” They are too far gone to be listed here.
And now?…
1. It is what it is
But it shouldn’t be anymore.
2. Man cave
Let’s let this one stay in it’s hole and not come out for a while.
3. Amazing
Um, not so much.
4. Baby bump
Enough already. Pregnant is pregnant.
5. Awesome
Used so often it means virtually nothing. This one gets the award for most perpetually overused.
6. Whatever
Dismissive and rude. Used by sullen teens everywhere. Another one that has transcended time.
7. Literally
Said like this: “LIT-rally.” What is that about, anyway?
8. Think outside the box
This is so tired that we should all start thinking INSIDE the box instead.
9. It’s all good
Except it’s not all good. Some of it’s just ok. Some is bad. Like this tired phrase.
10. Process
We are all in process, processing, in the process of, etc. Maybe we should stop processing and just DO or BE.
11. Just a thought
This usually precedes a critical or argumentative statement. Unnecessary and condescending.
12. Virtual
At this point, so much of our lives is virtual (if we are computer-based) that we need to come up with an alternate word that means online reality. Because it’s not virtual anymore — it’s real!
One more thing… when did “often” become “off-tin”? Did I miss the memo on that (oops, that one’s a bit irritating, too)?
What words or phrases drive you crazy? That is all.
Featured image courtesy of Chris Blakeley via Creative Commons.
Sharon Greenthal
Sharon Greenthal is a former stay-at-home mom, now empty-nester. She lives in Orange County, CA with her husband Peter and their perfect dog, Lambeau. Her two children are away at college. Sharon blogs about her observations the world around her, from the important to the inconsequential.
32 comments
Wow, you hit the nail(s) on the head, Sharon. I agree with all 12. Especially "amazing." So overused!
Throw me under the bus, it getting run over and over but keeps on going. I have heard people say WTF place of the real phrase. It happens real fast you don't realize what they just did.
The 2 that really grate me are:
1. When people say, "lol." It's horrible to read, but when somebody actually says it, it's so much worse. And...
2. "The thing is..." As soon as somebody says this, they're usually about to give a made up statistic, excuse are be patronising.
Whatever!!! For me, it's kinda irritating most especially when you want to point out something but instead of understanding it better. Here comes whatever and i don't feel good about that.
Right under "Just a though" I would put, "I don't mean to be rude, but...". I don't think anyone in the history of the world has actually said that WITHOUT meaning to be rude.
1 Like
Agree with you 100%. I can't stand "amazing..." However, I admit to using "It is what it is." I almost started with "lol" which is certainly irritating but still somewhat useful...
1 Like
Let's consider all the SoMe overused words and phrases such as Influence, Klout, Content Is King, and then all the acronyms which IMHO are done to death, too! Ready for Part Two, Sharon!
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In regards to #12, one thing I've noticed which has started grating on me like the proverbial chalk on chalkboard is the overuse of the word "actually." From the boy down the street to well known national newscasters their sentences are peppered with the word "actually."
Actually what I've done is give it some actual thought and decided we actually live in such a virtual world we are actually trying to hang on to the actual world -- no matter what it takes. :)
@Yvonne Root that's a great thought. actual/virtual - sometimes it's hard to determine the difference.
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@sharongreenthal This list is awesome! To your point...one I would add is when people punctuate their own sentence with "Right?" As in, "I know, right?" Mostly used, it seems, by young women. Ugh.
@BeckyGaylord That's a great one, Becky. It's definitely a young woman's language tic, as exemplified by my 22 year old daughter - but generally only when she's talking to her peers.
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Great list idea. How about anything that uses the adjective green? So overused that it lost meaning. The use of the words fact, myth or truth also merits instant suspicion.
@hdkeulenaer or the new word du jour, "upcycle." Can someone explain how that's different than recycle?
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ok Sharon..so I am 2 for 12.....I know I use #9 and #10 a lot..I am so sorry...I will come up with some new one.....hmmmm. I hate #6 too ..so much!! great post!!
3 Like
I had a boss once, whom I did not respect for 8 million reasons, who constantly said "To Your Point," and then he would say whatever HIS point was. It is my all time least favorite phrase. Awesome is pretty close:)
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My list would include;
1. Oh my god.....especially when said with emphasis on each word
2. I'll be honest with you.....no please be dishonest
3. For sure....valley speak
4. IRS...do I need to explain
5. Like....used way to often
6. Whatever...from your list
7. No...
8. You know.... no I don't know
9. Can't.... Sure you can
10. Complimentary
11. Certainly
12. Error
1 Like
What drives me crazy? Where do I begin?
"No problem" Let's go back to: I say 'Thank you' You say "You are welcome"
"REALLY?" Just way over used.
#7 is so very British. Prince Charles says it that way, maybe we are emulating?? I don't know.
Nice post Sharon, Cheers!
@WineEveryday The "Thank You" / "No Problem" Exchange drives me nuts, too. Just seems so rude!
@WineEveryday I think LIT-rally is an affectation. Except if you're British, then it's just the way you talk.
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