Subject: Top ten irritating phrases
Posted by: lesley153
Date: Nov 07 08
A top 10 of irritating expressions has been compiled by researchers at Oxford University.
1 - At the end of the day
2 - Fairly unique
3 - I personally
4 - At this moment in time
5 - With all due respect
6 - Absolutely
7 - It's a nightmare
8 - Shouldn't of
9 - 24/7
10 - It's not rocket science
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/debates/3394545/Oxford-compiles-list-of-top-ten-irritating-phrases.html
Do we find any other phrases even more irritating than this lot?
Posted by: lesley153
Date: Nov 07 08
A top 10 of irritating expressions has been compiled by researchers at Oxford University.
1 - At the end of the day
2 - Fairly unique
3 - I personally
4 - At this moment in time
5 - With all due respect
6 - Absolutely
7 - It's a nightmare
8 - Shouldn't of
9 - 24/7
10 - It's not rocket science
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/debates/3394545/Oxford-compiles-list-of-top-ten-irritating-phrases.htmlDo we find any other phrases even more irritating than this lot?
465 replies. On page 14 of 24 pages. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
AlexxSchneider 
|
People saying "I could care less" when they mean the opposite bugs me. If you could care less, please do. Most people understand "I could sleep less", "I could drink less" etc., but seem not to grasp that "I could care less" means you care more than you could (or should!). Reply #261. Oct 12 11, 6:26 AM |
lesley153
|
It has been explained to me that the phrase needs massive emphasis on the "could," so you have "IF I tried hard enough" dangling and, supposedly, implicit. It has not been explained to the people who use it online that their readers can't hear their intonation or see them shrugging. So yes, I vote for "I could care less" to go in the bin. Reply #262. Oct 12 11, 6:41 AM |
boxjaw
|
While driving, seeing a car with the window sticker: "BABY ON BOARD". Are the crazy drivers going to notice this and decide to come to their senses and drive carefully? Let alone the safe drivers. I see them and think the parents are really saying deep down; "Hey! Everyone, we want you to know we have a kid! Isn't that wonderful?" Reply #263. Oct 12 11, 10:53 AM |
| lesley153
|
I don't think they're bragging about their fertility - I think it's there for the emergency services, so they'll know to look for a very small person if there's an accident. Useful, seeing as emergency services have been known to examine a crashed car and miss a full-grown occupant. Reply #264. Oct 12 11, 11:31 AM |
REDVIKING57
|
And here's me thinking it's a reminder for dead-necked parents not to leave the baby in the car overnight! :)) Reply #265. Oct 12 11, 12:08 PM |
MotherGoose
|
"I don't think they're bragging about their fertility - I think it's there for the emergency services, so they'll know to look for a very small person if there's an accident. Useful, seeing as emergency services have been known to examine a crashed car and miss a full-grown occupant." I never thought of that! I've always found those signs annoying but I'll find them less annnoying now if there's a decent reason for them. Alex and Lesley, I heartily agree with you about "I could care less". Ditto, "my bad". Bad is an adjective. "My bad" what? "My bad" use of the English language, perhaps? "My bad" attempts at communication? "My bad" judgement in trying to be cool by using stupid but popular expressions? Reply #266. Oct 12 11, 5:02 PM |
| AlexxSchneider
|
"It has been explained to me that the phrase needs massive emphasis on the "could," so you have "IF I tried hard enough" dangling and, supposedly, implicit." Surely saying "I could care less if I tried hard enough" is implying that you do care, which is still the adverse of what people want to say? So even with emphasis on the 'could', doesn't it still miss the point? I, for example, COULD care less if I tried hard enough about this whole matter, and so I would never need to say "I couldn't care less" because I could! I'm not sure if I'm missing something - I may have even gotten things the wrong way round. Perhaps people are being sarcastic when they say they could care less when they mean they couldn't, but I don't think they are. Reply #267. Oct 17 11, 7:57 AM |
reeshy
|
I'm getting really annoyed at people using phrases like "reverse racism" for racism against white people, or "reverse misogyny" when they mean "misandry". I know that racist attitudes are usually directed toward non-white races but that doesn't mean it never happens the other way around. Which brings me to the word "privileged" that people seem to be misusing too. Yes, perhaps a young, skinny, pretty white woman or an attractive, successful man has it easier in many contexts, but now apparently such people can't have any problems because they're so "privileged" - I would say that complaining because you can't get a new iPhone embodies privilege, not complaining about something like serious health issues or money worries. Reply #268. Oct 18 11, 9:48 AM |
supersal1
|
I was startled to discover my oldest daughter came from a priviliged background. I found out that meant that her parents still live together and both have jobs! Reply #269. Oct 18 11, 10:58 AM |
| REDVIKING57
|
ROFL,Sal! I'll have to tell my friend Ernie that his kids are under-privileged. He's currently separated from his third wife. All nine of his children had private educations,and seven went on to University. Four to Oxbridge. About six months ago,when I was complaining about University fees,he told me he had spent in excess of £3 Million on school/university fees! Poor little darlings...........:)) Reply #270. Oct 18 11, 11:29 AM |
| lesley153
|
"tragic" Tragic used to mean too sad to contemplate. Now it's just another euphemism for dead. Davy Jones has just become tragic. Reply #271. Mar 02 12, 7:59 AM |
| reeshy
|
I agree with that, Lesley. I can't stand when people are referred to as "tragic". Their deaths, perhaps, but not the person! Reply #272. Mar 03 12, 7:09 PM |
Sprink1234
|
Corporate lingo needs its own subgroup on this list. Reply #273. Mar 04 12, 10:17 AM |
daver852
|
I find the use of the term "revenue enhancement" for a tax increase to be offensive. Ditto for the phrase "paying for a tax cut." First thing we'll do, let's hang all the lawyers; second thing we'll do, let's sew all politicians' mouths shut. Reply #274. Mar 04 12, 10:58 AM |
| coachpauly
|
One of my most irritating phrases to hear (and we hear it far too often among children in this day and age).....is "I Can't....." Drives me crazy and whenever I hear it I correct it to "WHY NOT?" or "Yes you can.." :) Reply #275. Mar 17 12, 4:12 AM |
Cat50
|
When someone says "hundreds", as in something is 100%. So say its all fine, or 100%. Reply #276. Mar 17 12, 5:06 AM |
Greatguggly
|
I can't stand sports cliches, usually uttered by people who really don't know what they're talking about. Ones like.."he left nothing on the field". What in the world is that supposed to mean? Reply #277. Mar 17 12, 5:56 AM |
| lesley153
|
Odd, that because sporty people, participants or the Greek chorus in the commentary box, aren't so inarticulate they they need a heap of clichés. Everyone is over the moon when a goal is scored and every foul is cynical, just like every thud is sickening. What happened to thrilled, delighted, relieved? And where are vicious, violent, unfit to be in a team? Reply #278. Mar 17 12, 8:05 AM |
| boxjaw
|
Cat50. I gave 110 percent. No I didn't, I gave 100 percent or less. I despise that "I gave 110 percent" phrase. Reply #279. Mar 17 12, 9:31 AM |
mikeeagle1
|
"Thinking outside the box." Reply #280. Mar 18 12, 5:13 PM |
465 replies. On page 14 of 24 pages. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Legal / Conditions of Use
|
|
: