Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Words and Phrases that Need to Disappear

Every now and then a word or phrase will become overused. At that point, you must stop using it. In the late 80's "attitude" was a good example. "Busters" as a suffix was another. Here is a current list of things you should really stop saying.


"I got nuthin'."

"Too soon" (in response to a joke about a recent tragedy)

"Wake-up call"

"FYI" (just say "for your informaiton")

"Feedback" (as a euphamism for "criticism")

"Values" (this one actually wore out in the 90's but people still use it)

"I could tell you, but I'd have to kill you"

"High Definition", "Hi Def", and "HD" (when applied to things other than television)

The suffix "aholic" to indicate addiction (a workaholic would not be addicted to work, he'd be addicted to workahol)

"15 minutes of Fame" (this was not coined by Mark Twain or Neitzche or Plato--it was said by Andy friggin' Warhol, who was a hack)

"Savory"

"Angus Beef"

"Carpal Tunnel" (one, it's carpal tunnel syndrome and two, it used to simply be called "my wrist hurts")




That's all I can come up with for now, but I'm sure there's more. Feel free to respond and add your own.