Language Pet Peeves – A Sampler
Posted on | March 1, 2009 | 5 Comments
I am hardly a language purist. In fact, I can tolerate – even embrace – the coining of new words or expressions, such as “ginormous” or “I LOL’d” or “bling.”
But there are some things which are just maddeningly wrong, up with which we should not put:
supposably – There is no such thing. Go ahead, look it up.
basically - Let’s just all agree never to use the word again. It adds no value. You would be better off saying “ummm” and at least conveying your lack of certainty more clearly.
infer - Pleeeeeez stop using this word if you aren’t sure you’re using it properly. Just use “imply” – it’s almost certainly what you mean anyway.
literally - Ugh. Most of the time, you mean precisely the opposite when you use this word. Just stop it before I literally gouge your voice box out with a garden trowel.
irregardless - the textbook definition of this word is “rusty nail across a chalkboard.”
to give 110% – If you are math-challenged and find yourself using this phrase uncontrollably, follow this advice: stick a loaded gun into your mouth and keep pulling the trigger until the issue is resolved. We’ll all thank you.
There. I feel much better now.
Tags: abuse > basically > english > give 110% > grammar > infer > irregardless > language > literally > misuse > pet peeve > supposably
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5 Responses to “Language Pet Peeves – A Sampler”
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My name is John. I have opinions about everything, especially about how to solve world problems. Most of my rants have to do with the runaway stupidity on this planet. If you don't agree with my views, that's OK - it's a free country (kinda). Just don't mistake this site for a democracy!
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April 4th, 2009 @ 4:57 pm
Pull the trigger 110 degrees from its original position.
April 4th, 2009 @ 7:42 pm
I see what you did there.
May 31st, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
Bwahaha ! We have the same problem with the French language. I could quote at least 10 moronic words out of memory, because they are used every day in my company, from the blue collar to the CEO. And the communication team, instead of correcting, is printing the same garble on official leaflets, because “this is how people speak in our business”. We have the right to INVENT words !!!
Thank you John,continue making idiots angry.
August 3rd, 2009 @ 7:05 pm
Check out these Top 40 Vocabulary Pet Peeves, but warning… you may cringe on a few that you have misused.
December 10th, 2009 @ 1:02 am
I think you are the political/theological sarcastic equivilent of David Sedaris. Why are we (realist?) the minority. I think I’ll move to copenhagen!!!