October 14, 2009

Those Annoying Words and Phrases...Are there certain words or phrases that are beginning to drive you crazy? Ones that are being used to death by everyone and his brother? Ones that you wish would just drop out of the lexicon? Well, you’re not alone.

A telephone survey conducted in August by Marist College of Poughkeepsie, NY and reported on by Michael Hill of the AP, (http://tinyurl.com/ycy66rr) asked 938 U.S. adults to indicate which, among five popular words or phrases, was most annoying. The results released last Wednesday revealed that “whatever” (pronounced "WHAT'-ehv-errr" when exasperated) won the dubious distinction of being most aggravating. As Hill notes, it can be an all-purpose argument-ender or a signal of apathy and is consistently disliked by Americans regardless of their race, gender, age, income or where they live.

Personally, I find a number of phrases to be particularly noxious. For example, “No problem.”  When did everyone stop saying “You’re welcome” or “My pleasure” in response to my “Thank you?” Were they anticipating that serving me WOULD be a problem in some way and mercifully it wasn’t?

Or, “out of the box.” Once upon a time, I really liked this phrase. It created a vivid mental picture. Now, it’s so overused that I vote we just throw the box away so that we don’t have to worry whether we’re in or out.

“In harm’s way” is another phrase jarring to my ears. This set of words, which comes from John Paul Jones, Revolutionary War naval hero ('I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail FAST; for I intend to go in harm's way”) is so overused by the media and such a watered down expression that we gloss over the fact that people really are in a dangerous place or situation and facing an imminent threat of death or maiming.

While I could go on and on about words that should be banned, I’d much rather share what some of you have said. Last week on Facebook, I asked friends and colleagues for their list of phrases that should be struck from our vocabulary. Here’s what they had to say in their own words:

Kelly – “It is, what it is" - My boss always says that and it bugs the heck out me.

Amanda - "It must have been meant to be." As if we have no responsibility over our lives.

Sarah - I hate “pro-active” with a fiery passion.

David P. – “KUDOS!” I hate that word and it is over-used. I know someone who uses "It is what it is" to death. "I need to process this" is another annoying one. Oh, and “irregardless.” It’s used all the time and the word doesn’t exist.

Letel  - "Wrap our arms around it" eeeeee-gads!!!!

Bob – “Bring your dancing shoes” – Does every event advertising music, have to say this?

Tony - "Very unique" or "God never gives you more than you can handle" except for the people who died in the Holocaust or any other tragedy...

David K. - Very few things are truly "revolutionary," "cutting edge," or "state-of-the-art." And yet they pop up in advertising constantly. Also annoying, a little, is the abbreviation, "LOL" which is used to death. ROTFL and LMAO at least have better imagery.

Scott - "That’s an excellent question.” It’s said in every interview.

Diane – “Been there, done that” really bugs me.... Especially when it is said in a snotty tone and an erratic movement of the person’s head!!!!!  Oh!! I forgot this one...."Believe You Me!!" What the hell does that mean anyway!!!

Want to weigh in with your “favorites?” Post a comment and let me know what drives YOU crazy.

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