Oct 12, 2015 - But I digress... What words and/or phrases would you ban if you could?
This one’s inspired by a comment thread from a post last week in which I suggested we resurrect the word “smart” to describe clothing and outfits. “Bringing back ‘smart’ is fine (and very Vanity Fair, circa 1929),” writes commenter Christina, “if in return we can get rid of ‘obsessed with’ and ‘packed with’ (as in ‘packed with antioxidants’).” Chimes in loyal reader Mamavalveeta, “can we get rid of ‘badass’ as well?” Next up, Alexa puts in a vote for ridding the world of “curated” and “bespoke.” All good suggestions, ladies, and might I add the word “rock,” to describe wearing something? OK, your turn.
Kim France
I was born in Houston, Texas in 1964 and have lived in New York City since 1988. I had a long career in magazines, working at Sassy, Elle, New York, and Spin, and in 2000, I founded Lucky magazine, which I edited for ten years.
Oh! Oh! I would get rid of “fashionista”, “nom” (especially as noun or verb), and “____ all the things!”
yes, anything ending in “ista”
Foodie also needs to go. I enjoying eating and cooking as much as the next person, but foodie has such pretentious, elitist connotations.
This makes me think of another expression that I’d love never to read or hear again, describing words, expressions or ideas as “a thing.” As in is foodie still a thing?
‘Hi there’ — we are not adverbs.
If you need two syllables, try ‘hello’.
https://www.economist.com/node/15108779 — ‘dreaded’!
How about “pop”, as in “pop of colour”?
Yes!! That ones drives me bonkers :-/
Yes, please.
Yes!
“Outfitter” and “Mercantile” for retail shops. Most of us are not getting kitted out for a safari or needing a bolt of calico to take back to the homestead.
Outstanding. You are my favorite person today.
Bolt of calico. Not only is it a necessity in prairie life, it’s also the name of my new imaginary cat that is very fast. I love you stranger on the Internet.
Sounds like a band name. Maybe one of those bluegrass things.
Kim,* we need a way to vote for things here.
*Wanted to write “Kimmie,” but stopped myself. I have a bad habit of nicknaming. And usually it would be whatever your name would be in Italian, except that as it happens, I do not know what that would be.
So “Little House In The Prairie”! Who can forget that Mrs. Olsen?
Factoid: the lady who played her used to be my next door neighbor. She is quite awesome. A real grand(e?) dame, and a pistol. She moved though.
I think I just woke my husband up from “lol-ing”! (That could go, too.)
Ditto to “pop of color.”
How about “artisinal” for the most mundane, mass-produced objects? That doorknob was not hammered by a third-generation Kentucky craftsman – this is Lowe’s, for heaven’s sake. The fast-food burger is not the work of an experienced butcher with a keen eye and a divine gift.
Let’s also drop mentions of professional “space” – the nonprofit space, the petcare space, the glitter unicorn space. Enough.
“artisinal” makes me want to scream. as does “curated” for any occupation other than “person who organizes museum exhibits”.
I hate it for any reason. Curate only entered the lexicon as a verb in the last 10-20 years because of its persistent over-usage.
I would ban “reverse racism” and “playing the race card.” So offensive and frankly stupid.
I work in a nonprofit policy organization, and once challenged myself to go the whole day without using “space” unless I was referring to actual square footage. I failed. Yes, though, to glitter unicorn spaces. We could have dance parties there.
I love “smart”!
Yes, please get rid of “curated” and “journey”. If read one more blogger use those terms… It always comes across as pretentious and/or trying too hard, in my opinion that is.
Also – “journey.” Unless you’re talking about bringing vittles in your knapsack – with your compass – it’s just living life on life’s terms.
YES.
I know this one won’t ever go away, but I don’t like the word ‘selfie.’ I just don’t.
Also, not a big fan of ‘besties,’ when one is referring to one’s best friends.
I’m just realizing my intolerance of ‘cute-isms.’ Apologies.
Yes! Also “X more sleeps until…” and “feeling all the feels.”
I’ve always mistrusted adults that use cute-isms.
It is what it is.
Yes! To mean that means, “My life is the way it is because I don’t want to do the hard work to change it.”
I’ll admit to using that one to end a pointless conversation. And for as long as it works I’ll keep using it as a civilized way to move on with my day.
With all due respect, I’m not so sure it’s civilized, Stephanie. I had to decide whether or not to explain to my 82-yr old father that “whatever” was basically saying “F.U.” to someone you disagree with! (I wisely chose not to.)
I’m over “THIS” as a pointer, a response, or a way to say GO LOOK AT THIS THING I LIKE.
If I never here “mompreneur” again it will be too soon.
“___ is my spirit animal.” Racist, albeit unintentionally. (Likewise “gyp.”)
“First world problems.”
Amazeballs.
“Circle back” and “actionable.”
I am aware of my own unfortunate tendency to overuse “lyrical” in my reviews and I AM WORKING ON IT, OK?
WE ARE ALL ON OUR JOURNEY.
(This.)
I came to vote for “amazeballs”, which I hate. Also, “world problems” of any kind. And I really hate the casual use of “bitch” as kind of a passive-aggressive compliment.
Yes!
Back when I tried Internet dating, “amazeballs” was one of the words which, if used, would automatically disqualify any potential suitors. Also, “duderino” and “awesomesauce.”
Yes to “world problems” because it is rude to denigrate someone about something that is bothering them and I will add “butthurt” because no matter how many times I see it it never stops feeling homophobic.
Yes on “first world problems”. I would like to think that I am enlightened enough to realize that there are many good things in my life (and many of my problems are insignificant in the bigger picture) but when someone uses that when I am upset, it’s all I can do not to tear into them.
Completely agree with you on the laziness of “THIS”. Even worse when followed by “SO MUCH THIS.” If you feel the need to emphasize it, why couldn’t you just write out what you thought in the first place?
Also related: “+1”. Stop trying to make “+1” happen, Google! It’s not going to happen!
I’d be good with banishing “reach out” as in “I’ll reach out to Sally and she if she can help.”
haha! I also loathe it when people on a “spiritual path” accuse you of “resistance” whenever you don’t see things their way. I.e., “why are you resisting this meditation / eating protocol / observation about your ingrained flaws that you need to work on?”
Oh, yes!
Yes! It always sounds more like a song lyric than something you do at work.
If we ban “in this space” “reach out” “curate” and “It is what it is” I will have almost nothing to say in my professional life. And there are phrases here I’ve never heard yet! (Feeling all the feels?)
“Hot” and “sexy” when describing how people look and thinking that these traits are desirable. How about pretty, attractive, handsome, elegant?
Don’t get rid of bespoke yet. I just learned its meaning two years ago!
Sorry, “bespoke,” like artisanal and curated before it, has been so abused and misused that it has now been stripped of all meaning.
First, I can’t tell you how excited I am to have helped inspire a column on my favorite blog. I actually let out a squeal when I logged on!
Bow now that I mull it over, instead of banning “bespoke”, “curated”, and yes, “artisinal”, we just send them away for a while to rest and recover?
All three used to be perfectly good words; it’s not their fault they’ve become so absurdly over-and-misused.
Me, too, Alexa! Kim’s blog is “addicting”! (Another one…Kim is not the equivalent of heroin.)
‘Are you still working on it?’ (in reference to an unfinished meal)
Oh, how I hate that one!
WHY GOD WHY
hatethissomuch.
Ooh, this is my folks’ pet peeve. Also, wait to clear the table until everyone is finished, so the one slow eater does not feel weird.
I sew (clothes and quilts) and people in the sewing world call finished projects “makes.” “These are my new makes!” “Goal: 14 makes for the year.” I’m not sure why it bugs me so much but just say “projects” or “quilts” or whatever. Blegh.
In restaurateur Danny Meyer’s book on hospitaliy, he writes that no one who works in his establishments is to use that expression: Makes the food sound dreadful, for one, and eating it seem like a chore.
“Have a conversation about…” Do ya mean DISCUSS?
I was going to say that. “We need to have a conversation about…” NO.NO.NO. “Let’s talk about…”
If I see one more fashion magazine use the phrase “effortless chic,” I’ll scream. Annoying phrase for an annoying concept.
And I’ll second “obsessed.” Especially–again–in fashion magazines.
“Get your _____on!”
“_____ cum _____” (“waitress-cum-actress”)
And not exactly what you’re going for but… “Literally!”
Describing anyone as a ‘hater’
Thinking out of the box
The incessant use of the word ‘whatever’ to indicate one’s boredom with the subject
Jeggings.
Chillax.
Swacket.
*shudder*
Chillax is such a vile word. My kids have to pay the swear jar if I hear them using it.
That’s just good parenting.
Veggies! For heaven’s sake…it’s vegetables!
Worse when it’s spelled “veges.”
Veggies, Jesus H. W. Christ.
It’s like we as a society just decided one day about 15 years ago that we had to be cute and friendly about VEGETABLES. What the hell.
“Elevated.” Pls stop. Thx.
“I can’t even…” Can’t even what? Finish a sentence?
i must admit I’m fond of “ginormous.”
Me too.
Bespoke is actually fine, if the thing is ACTUALLY BESPOKE. Which, 99.999% of the time it is not. Like this sweater I knit? Bespoke. That sweater you bought at Nordstrom’s that a machine made? NOT bespoke.
I am really done with those leading article click-bait headlines ‘somebody did this thing and you’ll never guess what happened next!’
For the .0001% of the time that it is bespoke, it is completely appropriate. I should have clarified that.
So, not to be a B, I hope, but… it’s only okay if that is true *and* the speaker is British. American? So not okay. Not that I would unfriend them or anything though.
J’adore!
Swoon!
Squee!
I’ve never seen a period follow these words.
Concerning.
Deep experience. (i.e. you know about something.)
Empowering.
Describing yourself as an “user experience evangelist” or a “artist, data visualizer and provocateur.”
(Only in the Bay Area.)
Preach. The Bay Area/Silicon Valley is responsible for some of the worst attacks on the English language.
Ah, thanks for the reminder!!!
“Creatives.”
It’s just wrong.
I forgot the worst one:
Thought partner.
I read that as “thought panther”, which sounds kind of awesome. “Thought partner”, while entirely new to me, needs to die.
Oh god, I knew about Thought Leader, but this is so, so, much worse.
Oh dear, guilty again. But I am totally going to rebrand (ding! there’s one that’s got to go) myself as a thought panther, and my younger colleague will be a bolt of calico. We will be unstoppable.
This! (Sorry I had to.)
I love this so much.
Thought Panther would be a great emo hipster band name.
Awesome
where are you at
Literally
I would be so happy never to hear the obnoxious phrase “someone has too much time on their hands” ever again — not just because it’s rude, and so beyond tired/unoriginal, but also because it’s pathetic. I hear it most in response to creative endeavors, and spoken by people who watch a lot of tv.
“Ultra-” and “uber-“, as used to intensify any adjective related to fashion or beauty.
Please take “the feels” (shudder).
And also remove the whole phrase “The struggle is real”.
“Yes please,” as used by bloggers (not you Kim!). As in, “Bespoke cashmere socks? Yes, please.”
Guilty. 🙁
I am already weary of hearing or reading that “_______ is my everything!” No, it’s not. Or if it were, I would need to feel sad for that person, and I don’t have the emotional currency to waste on that right now. Clickbaiters, please move on to the next way to express your transient enthusiasm.
I hate it when people use the word “absolutely” to answer a question. Like, can I do this with that? Absolutely! Is it safe for blank? Absolutely
Absolutely! But, seriously, I agree.
I have to say, I like saying the word “amazeballs”, as well as “awesome sauce.” They’re such ridiculous words, they make me laugh every time! On a more refined note, I llike using the word “handsome” to describe a solid, nice-looking object. I imagine handsome items are often accompanied by smart accessories.
I love the phrase “awesome sauce.” I may be influenced by my kids on this, but we often refer to people or things as being made up of, or covered in, awesome sauce.
Intrigued. Never heard either of these. How is the “sauce” used? Does it go on something?
Oops, thanks Maria, didn’t see that!
YES!!!
“Panties.” They are underpants.
That’s bad. As in bad. Not good bad.
I loathe the wincing word “adulting.” If we banished “badass,” then bloggers like Sally McGraw wouldn’t be able to describe their style.
The use of the word “porn” for anything that isn’t porn. Likewise, the casual use of the word “pimping.”
Word. Like food porn…ugh.
Abolish it!!!
I second on “curated”. And any word that is an unnatural combination of two words smashed together (Brangelina, mompreneur, etc.) Also convo and vacay.
“Thought partner” cracked me up, though. I’m imagining white linen tunics and wind chimes and Yanni in the background.
“No problem,” instead of “You’re welcome.” Rampant among 20-something restaurant servers, for some reason.
I agree and please include ‘no worries’. How about ‘you’re welcome’?
Yes! That’s not even a response.
Thank-you! So tired of “no problem” used for “You’re welcome.” “Awesome” can go away, too.
“Eatery” and “issues”! And when people say “less” instead of “fewer”!
Any life process described as a “journey” should go. Also, people who claim to be “so blessed” when what they mean is lucky.
This is a weird one, but I’m really tired of hearing “home” used in place of house. HGTV is a prime offender of this. There was an episode of House Hunters recently where a young woman kept talking about looking for a home (fair enough) and when a condo was suggested she said, “I don’t want to buy a condo, I really had my heart set on a HOME.” Uh. A van down by the river can be a home. You actually have your heart set on a HOUSE. It ain’t your home until you live there.
Things with unnecessary periods for emphasis. Like “I. Just. Can’t.”
Also, I’m sick of “Because ________.”
And I know I’m in the minority on this, but I find “awesome” grating, unless something actually is awesome, i.e. an awe-inspiring, transcendent experience.
Guilty on using awesome. I blame it on having teenagers in my home, but the truth is, it’s just lazy.
Use of “ask” as a noun, as in “we want the ‘ask’ to be as clear as possible,” or “that’s a big ‘ask.'” Are the two syllables in “request” really that difficult to say?
Any version of blending two things or more often two peoples names, to create a mutant version – Brangelina
“Covetable” and “craveable”
I have many, but..
“skinnies” and “sunnies”.
Nope.
I’ll add: “I’m good” instead of “no thank you”. What??
This list is so great!
Hmm, what are those?
Genius as “it’s genuis the way she mixed the plaids and stripes” or any other use of it not to describe actual geniuses.
And we KNOW she wasn’t discussing the topic with Einstein.
this post should become a style guide of trite, tired and over-worn words and phrases to avoid. While I agree with so many of the ones listed here, “That’s genius!” tops the list of nails on chalkboard expressions for me.
“Hot.” Also, ban the use of “right” when it’s used as an affirmative after expressing ones opinion or personal experience. Such as “I had bacon and eggs for breakfast this morning, right.” Oh and also ban the use of “done” when used instead of “finished.”
My grandmother would correct us at the table, “Steak is done, you are finished.”
“Artisan.” I walked past an “artisan bar” inside a mainstream hotel yesterday. Just stop.
“Tresses” makes me cringe.
Mine are less fashion-related… “Cali” for California and “Frisco” for San Francisco. Also that “see you next tuesday” word. Hah! Though I the “I’m Gud” for Thank you is another one that bothers me. Good question–thank you for the discussion! (not conversation lol)
We can still say Vegas, though. Right?
“Will the following customer please step down?” It’s bad grammar and although I am not 100% sure of the rule (should following modify something?), it sounds wrong to me. I think they are trying to sound “classy.” Just say “next!”.
Even worse is when they say “following guest,” as though you’re stepping into a hosted party rather than a Starbucks.
And it irks me when they drop customer/guest altogether and just say “following.”
I am cranky about many things!
I haven’t laughed or agreed with so many opinions in such a long time.
I would like to add…
“significant other”
I’m actually OK with this, as I think it’s attempting to acknowledge other kinds of relationships – ie not everyone is a ‘spouse.’
However, for me, “significant” other implies that there might be an “insignificant” other. Instead of that phrase I refer to the man I live with as my beau and people can infer from that what they will.
Good point. I’ve also used ‘partner,’ but then people think we run a business together.
I actually find “insignificant other” to be a useful phrase to employ at times–albeit tongue-in-cheek. But it conveys what it needs to.
Is anyone old enough to remember the proposed “POSSLQ”? “Person of opposite sex sharing living quarters.” Really!
Toxin. UGH.
Fun game: ask anyone who uses that word to define it.
Definitely second “toxin.”
Would also add “tribal” to the list. WHAT TRIBE WHERE.
Trish is right about tresses. And also lashes.
If I have to hear “Let’s do this!” one more time (every action movie, comedy, commercial….)
Also, at restaurants- “How’s everything tasting?”. Who talks like that?
When I hear “Let’s do this!” in a movie, I know that’s going to sound dated in just a few years. When people rewatch that movie they will cringe.
Get ‘er done.
I don’t want to even think about what they’re doing to ‘er!
Oh man, Kim you have to get this published somewhere the rest of the world can see.
Most of mine are up there, especially “where are you at” , where are you is sufficient. Saying you are very welcome when you did not say thank you very much, you just said thank you.
Mani Pedi Cardi Bestie…
Manicure is mouthful.. (And no, I am not 75. ;c)
Have a great day everyone.
I had a co worker who used to say “we need to dialog on this”. Not a dialog, which would have been OK. She was overall a good person, but very defensive about her lack of formal education, so she would misuse words all the time trying to sound smarter. It didn’t work…
Also “lippie” and love used exactly three times – “I love, love, love” that dress.”
Fantastic thread. So many are here!
however someone please take “my bad”.
The most annoying admission of guilt ever!
YOU GUYS ARE KILLING THIS ONE.
We’re rocking it.
We totes are!
lolol
Would you say we are rockstars of this thread?
Please, please, PLEASE ban the word “foodie.”
It’s bad enough that it is a clumsy, unpleasant word, but when I hear someone willingly describe him/herself as one… Ugh.
The feels as shorthand for having feelings. It’s lazy as in what that person is actually feeling is always left out. And I think supposed to be cute. It’s not.
In the 90s Icon the overused word that has seemed to be replaced by curate. That one drove me bananas.
I was watching some Woody Allen movies from the late 70s/early 80s and “Terrific” really stood out to me. No one says terrific anymore, we should.
I always imagine “terrific” being said by Gene Wilder.
My boss uses only one adjective: Terrific. Somedays I count the number of times she uses it in an hour. I believe 8 was the record.
She also says certain words with a a fake British accent. But all foreign words are pronounded with a French accent, even if they are Japanese or Arabic. She also uses a sibilant “s” at the end of words.
She is ghastly. Also retiring in a few months.
“Fabulous.” I have a close relative that apparently only knows one adjective, and she is driving me crazy. (Literally. I can’t even.)
Ooh, I hate fabulous too. “Wonderful” is okay.
Love this thread. Several come to mind:
“having said that”, “that being said” and all variations
“love you to the moon and back and beyond”
“I married my best friend”
Everyone I know who has claimed to have ‘married their best friend’ ended up divorced. Coincidence?
“nibbles”
“badass”
“enjoy”
“ABSOLUTELY!”
“metric”
“vegies”
“selfie”
“rock”
artisinal is about as descriptive as all-natural so it’s devoid of power.
There is a guy in my office (my age, early 50s) whose slang is almost entirely from the 1950s. Nothing is “cool” or “awesome,” only “nifty.” He says “peachy keen” with a straight face. I think he might be an alien.
Nah, he’s just from the Midwest.
Ditto on “circle back.” Also “reach out” instead of contact or call or email. I had a supervisor who used these and many other buzz words and he has ruined all of them for me for eternity.
My last boss was like that — his entire vocabulary was that stupid biz speak — like 98% verbal clip-art. Ugh.
I just snorted at “verbal clip art”. I’m stealing that one!
Hee! Please do! 🙂
The term “mani-pedi” is absolutely rage-inducing for me. We are grown women, not little girls, so I believe we can and should use whole words, not baby-talk abbreviations, when we speak.
You nailed it with the “baby talk”. Drives me insane.
oh, and the fake British accents…I’m so “beyond” that I can’t even cringe anymore.
Starting a reply to a question with ‘So,….). All of the above
The “So” thing is an affectation all our Tech people at work have adopted. I don’t understand it! Is it a Ted Talk thing?
My seven year old has a small lisp.
So she starts the sentence with sho.
” sho are we having ice cream or what?”
I prefer it that way,
“So” sounds so condescending, as if the speaker has to boil down the answer in terms the feeble minded can understand.
When ordering, by saying “I’ll do the”…insert artisinal food name here. What the?
Ha, I hate that too!
I know! When did that start. Makes me recoil in horror.
“Pulling the trigger” annoys.
As though America isn’t violent enough as it is.
Kudos. Can we please abolish this word?
BOHO.
If I see this word on the page of a magazine or on a website, I immediately shut my eyes and turn the page or close the site. I refuse to so much as glimpse at an item of clothing thus described.
I AGREE WITH SO MANY OF YOU!! Laughing so hard, I agree so much . . . especially “no worries” and “it is what it is” and “reach out” and touch base UGHHH
I will also add “rock” as a verb — i.e. “Here I am rocking the leather pants”
It’s great but I’m OVER IT
Have you seen the Portlandia skit that mocks rocking it? It’s very funny.
Let’s please please rid the world of noun/verb “convo.” I do not know how to convo.
While we’re at it, let’s admit that most instances described as “amazing!” are not amazing. When were any of us last truly “amazed” by something?
I keep thinking of new ones. “Adorbs.” And agree about the baby talk–anything that ends in an “eee” sound. Mani, pedi, veggie, bestie, selfie. If you ask me, the British are responsible for this, with the way they diminutize everything, e.g. “brekkie” (which reminds me that I also abhor “sammie,” though I don’t think that one can be blamed on the Brits).
I also vote that we bring back “smashing,” as in “she looks smashing in that dress.” The English get credit for that one, I think.
In addition to smashing, I like to use “stunning.” Who wouldn’t want to be described as stunning??
My grandmother, who was a sales assistant at a posh shop in the ’60s, often uttered the word “stunning.” I imagine she addressed her clients as “modom” as well.
I can’t take
‘Awesome’. I just can’t.
Also when ordering food: ‘I’ll DO the burger’
It sounds idiotic.
http://www.hilaryrobertson.com
So many good ones! I love you folks for reminding me how many words and expressions I hate. So I returned to agree on baby talk, and basically everything that is a meme from two years ago. Also to add “uttilize” to the pile. WHAT IS WRONG WITH “USE”, YOU MONSTERS!
“Of the moment”. This sounds like the person has a vocabulary too limited to be able to describe a trend.
So many good ones already. Please no more “iteration” for “version” or “variation” or “example.” Also “that looks a-MAY-zing on you,” especially from someone trying to sell me something.
OH yes, Susanna, “adorbs”. And “totes”.
Slightly off topic, and I haven’t watched Top Model in years, but I cringe when Tyra Banks says, “”You’re still in the running towards becoming America’s next top model.”
A thousand times YES! That line used to drive me up the wall!
Thank you Judy! I’ll add “champs” for champagne, and “at the end of the day”.
“Concerning” used as an adverb rather than the preposition that it is. “Based off” instead of “based on.” I experience such pain on the inside when I read or hear these I want to crawl into a cave and never have human contact again.
#anything and everything. One friend on FB hashtags EVERYTHING, including complete sentences after her posts.
Curated
Any word that implies that this restaurant, thing, dress, blog is so incredibly precious/perfect that nothing else counts. I’m tired of “precious-ness”, not the word but the idea that something is so much more special and perfect than the rest of us poor idiots could ever imagine or aspire to.
“the idea that something is so much more special and perfect that the rest of us poor idiots could ever imagine or aspire to”
Yes, a thousand times, yes
“Price point” for “price” – why???????
I think ‘price point’ is meant to imply a range of prices and also implies higher quality, ie, “J Crew has a higher price point than Old Navy.” I guess one could say, “The prices are higher at J Crew than at Old Navy,” but that wouldn’t include the additional implication of higher quality.
This string is hilarious — although I’m guilty of a lot of these (including “peachy” — my semi-ironic all-purpose answer to how I am doing on any given day).
Maybe this is unique to my line of work, but I grow tired of “informed by,” as in “this study was informed by the work of so-and-so.” Makes it sound like those documents have been conspiring together out of our sight.
This thread has just demolished all of Washington D.C.
Speaking of which… prezzie debate tonight. This thread would make a good drinking game.
Oh, and “flushed out” when what the speaker really means is “fleshed out.” Argh (sounds of teeth grinding).
ANYTHING said in that obnoxious “vocal fry” like the girls on The Bachelor. Ugh.
Oh, and the latest business jargon: Somebody “reporting into” someone else (their supervisor). It makes me think of icky things. (Icky, now there’s a word I’d like to make a comeback.)
Or what might be another Washingon-ism, “I support Joe” instead of “I work for Joe.”
So bugged how everything thing on the internet is described as killing it, going viral, and everyone is taking down everything, “There’s one thing you never noticed about…” or “Here’s one thing you never knew about…” So presumptive!
Also please stop the open letters.
Agree with stopping the open letters. If someone really wanted to send someone else a letter, they would. Privately. Otherwise it’s just obnoxious grandstanding.
Drat, I made a list in a meeting last week but tossed it! Remember multiple uses of “socialize” to mean raise awareness, as in “we need to socialize this issue throughout our division.” Also, perhaps borrowing from gender terminology in the news, “binary,” as in “we need a binary solution,” meaning 2 options. Finally, I’ve always cringed a little when I say or am asked if “I’m full” and wish I could use the English version “I’m complete” of the less binge-y French “complet.”
“Not in my wheelhouse” will never, ever in a million years sound normal!!!
I may be alone here, but I really dislike the “I’m loving” phenomenon.
For example, “I’m really loving my new Puma creepers”. It raises my hackles each time I hear/see.
Yes! I agree with “loving”! Ugh!
Oops I forgot to mention….
“HIPSTER”
blech.
Ooh, I really dislike “preggers” — shudder. Just say “pregnant.”
Along the line of pregnancy: “We are pregnant.” We cannot be pregnant. If “we” could be pregnant, more men would be giving birth to those babies.
Yes! Since when did men acquire a uterus?
I believe they’re calling them “duderuses”.
Oh, that was good.
“Fierce.” I would be happy to not hear that one again, especially if it were replaced by “smart”.
That’s a Tyra-ism.
The phrase “crushing on” needs to be dismembered and fed into the wood chipper.
This has me gasping I’m laughing so hard.
I also hate hate the work-related verb/noun juxtapositions so much it reminded me how I truly loathe it when fashion writers use the word “juxtaposition” to gush over what they try and have us believe is the FIRST time anyone ever wore “that” with “this”.
Please can we banish “bennies” for benefits and staycation?
To a child of the 60’s and 70’s, “bennies” means “downers”!
I have two:
“Indicated” as in “she indicated she would attend.” Why can’t you say “she SAID she would attend”? For the love of God , why??? If one more person in my office uses “indicted” when they mean “said”….
Enterprise as a noun. Why not organization or company?
Indicated no indicted. Sorry…
The noun-into-verb trend(is there a name for it?) infuriates and mystifies me. I’m a writer/editor currently on the hunt for a new gig, and I have run across dozens of job descriptions that require the successful candidate to “ideate,” “concept,” and “architect” the company’s “content” (never “copy,” but perhaps I am dating myself there). Yuck.
“Pant” for “pants,” and “lip” for “lips.” Come on, people!
Agree with almost all that have come before me. I’ll add to it:
Baby bump
LIttles (referring to children)
Adulterated spellings of words that are just fine as they are: UH-mazing
I could go on and on
LITERALLY is so overused right now
In sports FREE BASEBALL (or free whatever sport is going into overtime)
PICK SIX for an interception needs to go!
saying HASHTAG – I hate that
Thank you for this opportunity to vent!
People always say literally even if it’s not literal.
I cannot STAND ‘baby-bump” it’s too cutesy/creepy. Sets my teeth on edge.
I do love “smart”! Also “snazzy”. I tell my preschoolers (students) that they’re “sharp” esp.if an outfit they have on is one they assembled themselves.
People need to bring back “snazzy.”
I hate unnecessary abbreviations:
apps for appetizers
prof for professor
How about ‘rest’ for restaurant? Makes me rage-y!
I have a friend who says “resto” for restaurant and it drives me bananas. At first it was just in text but now she actually says it like “what time should we be at the resto”. Grrrrrr…..
Oh, but I like resto! It’s French!
I’m wondering if some of these are because of texting. Thoughts?
Lately, “insanely” is so overused: “This croissant was insanely good.” “Her dress is insanely chic.” Also, let’s get rid of “chic.” And saying that everything is “well-deserved.” Let’s just take our insanely chic vacations without having to qualify that they’re well-deserved.
Let me add to the chorus of people who wish OTHER people would stop ordering food with the phrase, “I’ll do” or “Let’s do a. . .”
Also on my list “We [or you or I] got this.”
And also a new thing I see, especially on TV. People are “unpacking” a lot more than suitcases lately, as in “In the next hour, we’ll unpack why Putin is dropping bombs on Syria.” or “My mother left me alone when I was five. I’m still unpacking that.” It seems to sub for both “understand” and “explain” or some conflation of those words.
Signed, Cranky Girl of a Certain Age
I’m stealing your signature line.
Oh yes. “I / you / we got this” is terrible. Especially because it is so often said when things seem to be spiraling out of control.
I detest the words yummy and tummy when used by anyone over the age of seven. Hearing someone say “Try some of this really yummy wine!” makes me want to punt kittens.
Also nom nom which was said previously
….and “gimme gimme” to refer to greedy wants, as seen on Pinterest.
I live in Australia and this is the land of diminutives: Sunnies, Cosies, Relies, Chrissy, and the list goes on. It’s the country that invented the word “selfie.”
Can we have a new thread with new options? Starting with the words “smart” and “handsome,” what else can we say to move away from the tired and trite?
Oh lord, I never even thought to imagine Australia came up with ‘selfie’. Oh dear, what have we done.
On that note, I could slap someone for saying, “Choccie bickie”.
As a fellow Aussie, I’m surprised to see our far our diminutives have spread. Vegies, bikkies, cossies, sunnies, rashies, relies and selfies. Ideally all in the same sentence. Nothing says home like ‘no worries’.
And leading on, why do people advertise an inferiority complex with “punching above his/her weight” (should be a criminal offence). Can I also put in an honourable mention for using ‘around’ instead of ‘about’ as in “we talked around the issue of…”
Haha, I saw people earlier discounting the use of ‘no worries’, and felt a little pang – it’s a very Australian thing, and I’m rather fond of it!
“melty” cheese
awesome
awesome-sauce
awesomeness
“Over the Moon.” Blech. Particularly when celebrities (or, more accurately, their publicists) use it to describe their newly expectant state or a new baby. Time for a new annoying phrase to use, people!
I don’t think any celebrity has ever actually uttered the phrase, “over the moon.” I have a hunch it always comes from the same publicist. Isn’t it particularly from British tabloids?
Creative” as a noun instead of an adjective.
“Amazing.” Unless something is TRULY amazing, like re-attaching a limb or discovering water on Mars, please refrain from using that word before it loses all meaning completely. Like, the eyeshadow you’re wearing might be “flattering,” or even “cool,” but it’s only AMAZING if it also, like, ends world hunger.
“Obsessed” (unless you truly are, in which case, why advertise that?)
I HATE the use of “gifted” meaning “gave” or “given.” It’s become ubiquitous. Did everyone lose their dictionary at once?
“Girl” instead of “woman” in professional and political and other public settings. Yes, I know the name of this blog but we use it in a familiar way with each other. Here in Arizona there seems to be a penchant for calling females well over the age of 18 “girls” and I’ve started seeing it crop up again in national news interviews. And while I’m on this topic, using words like bitch, ho, whore, slut, thot, groupies, slides, and the full range of slurs used to describe women — all have got to go.
That’s a big peeve of mine, as in, “Why is the boys high school team called The Generals and the girls team, The Lady Generals?” Shouldn’t Title IX have taken care of that outdated wording?
Everyone here is so smart & funny! I wish we could all have a big cocktail party and be this witty in person.
same!
I sat through a meal with a couple who kept calling the food “genuine.” If it was not genuine, was it fake? Like GMO? I was so confused.
“There is no deceit in the cauliflower” 😉
Ending an email with “Best.” Are you that busy that you can’t possibly take the time to type “regards” as in Best regards?
Brah, Bro, Dude, and Totally Awesome.
Came back to second “sammies” and add “yummers” — *ugh*!
“I love you to the moon and back”” makes me want to kill someone.
Also, “colorway” – seems to be a new word for “color”, as in “What colorway does that bag come in?”; WHY????
I’m in the fashion industry and if I hear the phrase “on trend” again, my head is gonna blow up.
Nails on chalkboard to me: “See what I did there?” after spouting some witticism. Bang me over the head, why don’t you? Otherwise I’d never get it!
Also, kiddos. (Sorry if that one offends).
Since someone has already said “curated”, let’s go with “hack” (a shortcut isn’t necessarily a hack) and ‘icon’ or ‘iconic’ (something you’ve read about a few times isn’t iconic until it’s stood the test of time.
Oh, here’s one I forgot earlier: “You do you”
There’s another word for that…;-)
So many of these are making me moan and cringe at my desk!
I really, really do not like all of those bloody acronyms getting thrown around, and their catchphrase meanings as well, like, “TFW” and “FTW”. Really most recent Internet slang is insufferable.
Very frustrating because I always have to ask my daughter what they mean.
I don’t thing this has been posted yet, but gift as a verb. Enough. It was a gift given to you, or a gift you have given to someone. What’s so wrong with the word given?
I must add when someone says “BOOM!” at the end of their statement as if what they are saying in the difinitive, final thing on a topic.
Yeah. As if what they say is more important than anything else.
These are so great. The whole list should be made into a style guide for bloggers and fashion writers, business people, etc.
May I add:
“Mic drop”
“on trend”
“luxe”
“stat”
Tots (lol) on board with mic drop! Just give yourself a pat on the back and be done with it! (I still like lol).
I can’t tell you how much I dislike the word, “Haters”. Anybody who disagrees with someone else is automatically labeled a, “Hater”.
Also can we please loose the word, “Conversate”–that one really drives me crazy.
I second the use of the word, “Smart”.
P.S. One more por favor, can we loose the word, “Genius”? As in that coat is, “Genius”!
Using “female” as a noun instead of an adjective. Even worse, making it a plural noun, as in “Females enjoy awesome artisanal apps!”
“outside the box” and all other empty cooperate buzzwords
“Can I help who’s next?”
I cringe when I hear “love on,” as in “look at this picture of Quinoa loving on her little brother.” Why not just say love or hug?
Make it stop, please. I shudder.
Can I add in general: made-up names for children? Or made-up spellings of classic names, ie Jynnifher?
But, aren’t all names made up? Some just more recently. Even the “classic” names started somewhere. Mary and Katherine are made up names too.
“Booties” instead of ankle boots or short boots.
This is so funny! Loved reading all the comments.
“Internet words” don’t bother me that much, in fact they often make me laugh. And I don’t mind the use of slang, although sometimes it’s startling to hear something that originated on the streets of Brooklyn or Atlanta come out of the mouth of a suburban teen.
Language is a wonderful, living thing and I’m fascinated by all the changes in meaning and usage that happen constantly.
That said, I am sick as hell of “baby bump,” “yummy mummy,” and most other British tabloid-isms. Let’s make up our own catchphrases!
I hate “money shot”
Please let’s get rid of “pair with” used with more than one object, as in “I pair the sweater with tweed leggings and platform boots.” THREE = NO LONGER A PAIR. I see this all the time and it drives me bonkers.
“Cool-beans” is that inferring beans are cool?
implying not inferring
Fur baby. For starters, it plays into nasty impulses to “replace” actual babies (i.e. fill the void) for people without children. On a conceptual level, though, the word evokes furry creatures emerging from your vagina. Why would you want me to have that image?
PS–This may be my favourite post of all time. I hate so many of these words (and even learned new ones to instantly hate)!
Thanks for the image…didn’t have that one in my head before now.
Wow! This post really elicited a response. I don’t know if anyone has said this yet but SO tired of “reach.” As in: this is the cream I keep reaching for, you’ll be reaching for these booties come winter time (or…whatever). It’s peaked. Enough!
Thanks for reaching out to us! (So insincere)
ha!
I also have another: for days. As in: legs for days, charm for days. Noooooooo.
Just sayin’
Please, for the love of all that is holy, can we agree to stop using the phrase, “Keep Calm and _____ On?”
Thank you, that feels better. I have been needing to get that off my chest for some time.
I can’t stand the way so many people online use “simply,” as in “Simply stunning.” No one talks this way in real life. It’s annoying and boring and also troubling how so many people adopt these phony baloney ways of “speaking” online. Use your words! There are so many of them!
That’s how we roll.
“It’s in my wheelhouse.” UGH!
This post was so very humorous and compelling that my 10.75 year old daughter HAD to comment. haha
Love you guys!!
This thread caused me to snort wine (not bespoke, curated, or artisanal, just wine) out my nose twice. My only addition to this excellent list is “squee!” That noise should never be written out, only experienced. Use squeal if you have to.
1. “Ladyparts”
2. “It is what it is”
First of all, I love this thread so much! I agree with just about everything and I also sheepishly admit that I have used quite a few of these words.
Just in the past month everyone in my office (I’m in marketing) has been talking about “optics” to describe having a big picture vision i.e. “Elaine will share the optics of this project in next week’s meeting.” I’m already sick of it.
Oh God, that’s dreadful. Reinforces my decision to work from home, by myself.
This post and thread thrilled me–I’m glad to know there are dozens upon dozens of Women of a Certain Age With Very Certain Ideas About Language.
To second these:
It is what it is
Squee
All the feels
So on point
THIS.
Because [fill in the blank]
Badass
Reach out
Circle back
Inspo
FTW,INCYMI,YOLO
Bascially any term/phrase used widely on the Internet to express (what is probably an inhuman and unhealthy amount of) enthusiasm
I kind of love the Bob Fosse-era loucheness of “jazzed”–as in “He’s not really jazzed about it” or “I’m totally jazzed about it”
These are great. I’d add to this list:
Best. Day. Ever. (Particularly when written by a g.o.a.c.e. who should not write like that.
Fleek + Stat = puke
“Inspired” is definitely my pet peeve. When I read yet another Insta caption saying “feeling inspired” I always want to ask “inspired to do what, exactly?”
Ana
http://www.champagnegirlsabouttown.co.uk
“Conversate.” It’s not a word..
I can’t stand when people say “jelly” instead of jealous. It makes my teeth hurt!
Some people may disagree about this one, but I can’t stand when a person says someone has “passed” when they have died. It’s going to happen to us all. Get over it.
I can even deal with “passed away.” But passed? Where? In the hallway? His English class? It drives me crazy!
Late to this – but “disrespect” as a verb. Spendy and impactful are hoorible.
1 – “Have a good one!” A good what? Day? Meal? Bowel movement? I first heard this while living in L.A. in the late 80s. Hated it then, still hate it now.
2 – “Grow the business.” There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with this one but it rubs me the wrong way like bad velvet. How about ‘increase’ or ‘expand’?
I am late to the party here – LOTS of excellent suggestions! Here’s mine: Can we please, please, PLEASE stop using the word “gift” as a verb? WE HAVE A PERFECTLY GOOD VERB FOR THAT ALREADY. Ahem. Sorry to shout, but it literally makes me itch every time I hear or read about anyone “gifting” something. And as the holidays approach, it’s only going to get worse. All I want for Christmas is for everyone to GIVE gifts.
GAME-CHANGER.
Everything is a game changer…from Spanx to the Ebola vaccine.
Amazing.
Once upon a time, it meant something. It described a spectacular sunset or your first view of the Grand Canyon.
But today, the word lives in service to Facebookers and bloggers and others who use it constantly. The birthday wishes on Facebook (which took the wishers all of 10 seconds to do) make the birthday person feel “amazing”. Their friends are “amazing”. The weather is “amazing” The children and chicken parm are “amazing”.
Grace-less amazing has to go.
Yowza! (can I still say that?)
What an ARTISNAL post. I think this SPEAKS TO our frustration with the over use of words we try to resurrect to somehow set ourselves above or apart from the COMMON MAN. An endeavor not unworthy, but in this day and age of instant everything, the masses rise so quickly to the trendy that words and phrases are very quickly over used and cliche. The majority of the examples here seem to be the misused (artisnal) and the shortened versions meant to be cutesy (selfie,sammie). This just shows how admiration for education and common sense have been replaced by admiration for pizzazz and sparkle. Sad, really. That being said, (I couldn’t resist) “Classy” has always driven me bat$&!% crazy. Now I am off to make some artisnal cheese. Which is actually artisnal cheese because I just milked the cow.
hahahaha what fun!
Surreal instead of unreal.
So many and agree with all of the above. Here are some of mine…
“There are a bunch of different ways to skin the cat.” – Ummmm, gross.
“Anywho” – Who started this one? And how on earth did it catch on?
“Brother from another mother.” – Just dumb.
“Money shot”- So classless. Do people even know what they’re saying?
The misuse of “further” and “farther” will never not bug me.
“Cool beans.” – Might as well just say “I’m a big dork.”
I have more but I don’t want to sound like a cranky old person.
I don’t know if anyone has used this phrase yet, but it really bugs me. “To be honest with you…” First off, it’s totally condescending and second, it implies that everything that was said before that sentence was a complete lie. Just skip it if you can’t think of anything to say.