My pet peeve is "at the end of the day." Unfortunately, I work in manufacturing and often have to discuss what needs to be done before it's time to go home and hear myself uttering that phrase more often than I would like. But in my case, I mean it literally.
Which reminds me, I recently heard that the word literally no longer means literally because it's been misused to the point that it now means figuratively, according to Merriam-Webster. Such is evolution.
Amen. This is how good words get ruined. They mean something very specific but get misused so much they stop meaning anything. Now, if I ever use "literally" I feel the need to qualify it: "No, I mean actually, literally, verbatim, that's what happened," which is a lot less efficient.
Bonnie, I agree, and unfortunately it’s an ignorance about our language in general. So many words and phrases being misused and misunderstood these days.
I came here specifically to say that! Using phrases like "at the end of the day" reminds me of when people say "myself" when "I" or "me" would be correct. It's as if they're trying to sound erudite, but instead sound trite or stupid. In fact, there are few times when "myself" is correct, unless you're doing something to "yourself." I wish people would stop saying things like, "Feel free to talk to Bob or myself..." NO!
As for the word literally, that's disappointing. It makes me want to figuratively poke my eyes out. Here's another: "I could care less." I guess that means you care. Next time, try "I couldn't care less" if you want to convey disinterest.
Too many people speak/write without thinking about what their words actually mean.
I always read the entire email. I mean come on, it only takes about 3-5 minutes out of your day and it makes you think. Isn't that worth 5 minutes?
I've heard Come to Jesus for decades as well as rock star and low hanging fruit. Is there any way to retire some of these phrases?
I look at the patriotism survey with a lot of skepticism. I see a lot of American flags flown in front yards and patriotic bumper stickers. When I see a survey saying we are not as patriotic as we once were I question the motives of the researchers. Did they set out to prove a waning sense of patriotism? What are their objectives and prejudices? God bless America.
I usually read the top and skim the bottom. Not because they aren’t news worthy, but because I’ve already read an article on the subject. If I haven’t then I stop to read it.
It seems that we will likely offend someone somewhere along the way. Did we get too sensitive? Seems when I look at that list there are some I definitely don't like and some that I am guilty of using. When I analyse why I don't like some, it seems to be more related to past events when others overused them or someone I began to disbelieve/dislike/etc. over or incorrectly used them and less about the phrase itself.
Mostly they really work well. In some cases they explain something more succinctly than lengthily verbiage and get the idea across very quickly. I mean try explaining "low hanging fruit" quickly and with meaning without having to explain too much.
Are cliches also often just disguised analogies that get an idea across quickly?
I think I'll have to reduce where I can, but I'll probably still go for the "easy pickings." ;)
Is it though? I love the validity that Pareto's principle often offers to real life scenarios but honestly had never heard of the Pareto Chart. If I implied to others to go after "low hanging fruit" I would be meaning to go after the easy options/sales etc. The cliche just works so nicely but I might also be driving some nuts but its overuse!
Or just picking the ripest apples before they fall into the hands of others
I disagree. My interpretation of the two is that low hanging fruit is what's easy. Pareto is not necessarily easy, but it is what's most effective to fix.
Many people spend time on the low hanging fruit of a problem without ever fixing the problem. If they Pareto the problem, they may find that the real source of the problem is not so easily addressed, but will actually solve the problem.
Good point. I think most of these phrases start out being useful shorthand, but when, like you said, people start to over- and misuse them, they lose their meaning and become annoying. If we could all be more impeccable with our word, maybe this wouldn't happen so often, but we're human people, and I'm not sure we're capable of that as a group. I don't mean that negatively, just factually, with myself included in that incapable human group. I definitely overuse the word "awesome" for things that are really just "nice" or "kinda good."
So true that it seems we are overlooking the power of our words. I've come to realise that we don't realise how much of a sword we wield with our words. Considering the "5 Love Languages" where words are particularly powerful for just some people (and less for others) I believe is an under appreciation of that "sword" and actually words are likely VERY important for us all, no matter who you might be.
I think of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), clinical hypnosis and just being an intentionally powerful speaker when delivering a speech and how powerful a change maker those techniques may be.
"Food for thought" to be more impeccable with the words from our mouths and how they can breakdown or uplift. If we could collectively do that, we might change the world. Now that would be "awesome." :)
Language evolves daily. I like cliches because they’re colorful and are perhaps away of people connecting. Most die off eventually and I think some stay.
“You’re the best” - you must have a pretty low bar as to what the Best is.
Patriotism - which one are you talking about? The one that supports assault weapons,
the one that wants to support the former president or the one that wants the best for the whole country regardless of sex or orientation or nationality. Most folks who seem to verbalize how patriotic they are seem the be the first two. The folks who are quiet about it but demonstrate their care are the last. But how many really know what’s happening outside the country to know what we’re doing there that deserves our patriotism? Alas…
I helped my grandniece learn to ride a bike by running beside her while holding onto the seat. I'll never forget her saying, "Aunt Janet, you're the bestest!" I'm certainly not the best much less the bestest bike riding instructor, but I understood that she was expressing her appreciation. That's successful communication.
From the mouth of a sincere child, that’s true praise and a gift. Most other people should consider passing on those sentiments in a less hackneyed way.
Aargh. You're the best. My former boss would say the expression in French “T’es mon meilleur" only because he was highly dependent on the journalism services of a nearby radio station when he addressed the director there. He would then denigrate him to anyone who would listen. Yup, that saying is often used hypocritically.
“Circle back”, Walk back (where did that come from?), Clap back (what does that even mean?). Probably the one I hate most is “hack.” It used to mean crooks breaking into your bank account or email account. Now it seems to mean a helpful hint, such as “laundry hacks” or “packing hacks.” Makes me cringe every time.
The opening scene of Vengeance is parody of two guys at a posh party overusing 100% in their conversation. It's hilarious. If that one bugs you, you might like it.
And ending a sentence with, “know what I mean?” I’m really tired of it, whether I say it or someone else does! Maybe we don’t have to end our statements with a solicitation of instant agreement. Maybe just be quiet and let others respond?
I am from South Africa - and I know that South Africans love to copy the USA lingo... but I don't know where our youth are learning phrases like: "The place was lit AF "
Also, words like 'ideally and essentially' keeps popping up in explanations or answers given by the younger generation.
Ooof. As someone who spent a decade adjacent to the Seattle start-up world, these overused phrases make me twitchy! I remember when everyone had something like "I'm a marketing ninja!" in their twitter bio. Coincidentally, I just wrote something about that phase of my career when someone called me a "thought leader" and I panicked because...well...you'll see:
Part of today's newsletter comes from me telling my wife I was going to print business cards that just said: "Bill Murphy Jr., Thought Leader." I thought it would obviously be tongue in cheek but she pointed out rightly that about .1% of people would probably get the joke1
jeeze, louise (I know, don't call you Louise), I read it all! That's a comment for "other" which leads to "YAY" for the kids out exploring on their own!!
& I laughed at some of the now used cliches w/ the adjoining explanations of why not to use (#12 pops to mind w/out rereading them all)
Is ‘put a pin in it’ the new ‘parking lot that item?’ (…and is this still the correct punctuation usage, even though I still don’t like placing the question mark inside the quotation mark?)
I also don’t love what to me seems like much more often making verbs of words i more commonly think of as nouns, such as ‘surfacing’ and ‘centering’ and such.
I hate the saying it is what it is. Meant to appease but just irks the crap out of me. No need to say that. Sometimes silence is golden.
My pet peeve, also. I usually reply to the effect of it is what it is because someone wasn't paying attention to what they were doing.
That one is awful, isn’t it? I’m so tired of it!
I don't hate that one, but I hear where you're coming from Lynne.
My pet peeve is "at the end of the day." Unfortunately, I work in manufacturing and often have to discuss what needs to be done before it's time to go home and hear myself uttering that phrase more often than I would like. But in my case, I mean it literally.
Which reminds me, I recently heard that the word literally no longer means literally because it's been misused to the point that it now means figuratively, according to Merriam-Webster. Such is evolution.
I don't think it's evolution, it's lack of knowledge about the meaning of "literally".
Maybe both?
Amen. This is how good words get ruined. They mean something very specific but get misused so much they stop meaning anything. Now, if I ever use "literally" I feel the need to qualify it: "No, I mean actually, literally, verbatim, that's what happened," which is a lot less efficient.
Bonnie, I agree, and unfortunately it’s an ignorance about our language in general. So many words and phrases being misused and misunderstood these days.
I came here specifically to say that! Using phrases like "at the end of the day" reminds me of when people say "myself" when "I" or "me" would be correct. It's as if they're trying to sound erudite, but instead sound trite or stupid. In fact, there are few times when "myself" is correct, unless you're doing something to "yourself." I wish people would stop saying things like, "Feel free to talk to Bob or myself..." NO!
As for the word literally, that's disappointing. It makes me want to figuratively poke my eyes out. Here's another: "I could care less." I guess that means you care. Next time, try "I couldn't care less" if you want to convey disinterest.
Too many people speak/write without thinking about what their words actually mean.
I always read the entire email. I mean come on, it only takes about 3-5 minutes out of your day and it makes you think. Isn't that worth 5 minutes?
I've heard Come to Jesus for decades as well as rock star and low hanging fruit. Is there any way to retire some of these phrases?
I look at the patriotism survey with a lot of skepticism. I see a lot of American flags flown in front yards and patriotic bumper stickers. When I see a survey saying we are not as patriotic as we once were I question the motives of the researchers. Did they set out to prove a waning sense of patriotism? What are their objectives and prejudices? God bless America.
And who did they poll? I always go back to "4 out of 5 dentists surveyed". Polls can be skewed the way the pollster wants them skewed.
Or, 4 out of 5 doctors which was actually the name of a rock band back in the early 80's.
I know it's cliche (huh!) but my mind always goes to "statistics lie, and liers use statistics."
Statistics are just numbers representing a value, so they can’t lie. Liars, on the other hand…as you said!
See your own comment: who how and what can create whatever picture you are looking for.
Yep - who you ask, how you ask, and what you ask.
Whenever my wife and I hear “at the end of the day” on radio or TV, we repeat it in unison. “Journey” is another we’ll call out.
Poll - Other response regarding length - I’ll use the same word Mel Brooks when asked boxers or briefs (albeit another context): Depends
Too funny!!🤣🤣
LOL, master of the one liner and a comedic genius!
I usually read the top and skim the bottom. Not because they aren’t news worthy, but because I’ve already read an article on the subject. If I haven’t then I stop to read it.
Yikes.
It seems that we will likely offend someone somewhere along the way. Did we get too sensitive? Seems when I look at that list there are some I definitely don't like and some that I am guilty of using. When I analyse why I don't like some, it seems to be more related to past events when others overused them or someone I began to disbelieve/dislike/etc. over or incorrectly used them and less about the phrase itself.
Mostly they really work well. In some cases they explain something more succinctly than lengthily verbiage and get the idea across very quickly. I mean try explaining "low hanging fruit" quickly and with meaning without having to explain too much.
Are cliches also often just disguised analogies that get an idea across quickly?
I think I'll have to reduce where I can, but I'll probably still go for the "easy pickings." ;)
Low hanging fruit is the same as using a Pareto chart.
Ok, but I had to Google “Pareto chart.”
Me too! :)
Is it though? I love the validity that Pareto's principle often offers to real life scenarios but honestly had never heard of the Pareto Chart. If I implied to others to go after "low hanging fruit" I would be meaning to go after the easy options/sales etc. The cliche just works so nicely but I might also be driving some nuts but its overuse!
Or just picking the ripest apples before they fall into the hands of others
I disagree. My interpretation of the two is that low hanging fruit is what's easy. Pareto is not necessarily easy, but it is what's most effective to fix.
Many people spend time on the low hanging fruit of a problem without ever fixing the problem. If they Pareto the problem, they may find that the real source of the problem is not so easily addressed, but will actually solve the problem.
It’s an identification and prioritization tool. Any tool can be used many ways, especially if you hold it right.
Like a cliche, I guess?
Good point. I think most of these phrases start out being useful shorthand, but when, like you said, people start to over- and misuse them, they lose their meaning and become annoying. If we could all be more impeccable with our word, maybe this wouldn't happen so often, but we're human people, and I'm not sure we're capable of that as a group. I don't mean that negatively, just factually, with myself included in that incapable human group. I definitely overuse the word "awesome" for things that are really just "nice" or "kinda good."
So true that it seems we are overlooking the power of our words. I've come to realise that we don't realise how much of a sword we wield with our words. Considering the "5 Love Languages" where words are particularly powerful for just some people (and less for others) I believe is an under appreciation of that "sword" and actually words are likely VERY important for us all, no matter who you might be.
I think of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), clinical hypnosis and just being an intentionally powerful speaker when delivering a speech and how powerful a change maker those techniques may be.
"Food for thought" to be more impeccable with the words from our mouths and how they can breakdown or uplift. If we could collectively do that, we might change the world. Now that would be "awesome." :)
Language evolves daily. I like cliches because they’re colorful and are perhaps away of people connecting. Most die off eventually and I think some stay.
“You’re the best” - you must have a pretty low bar as to what the Best is.
Patriotism - which one are you talking about? The one that supports assault weapons,
the one that wants to support the former president or the one that wants the best for the whole country regardless of sex or orientation or nationality. Most folks who seem to verbalize how patriotic they are seem the be the first two. The folks who are quiet about it but demonstrate their care are the last. But how many really know what’s happening outside the country to know what we’re doing there that deserves our patriotism? Alas…
I helped my grandniece learn to ride a bike by running beside her while holding onto the seat. I'll never forget her saying, "Aunt Janet, you're the bestest!" I'm certainly not the best much less the bestest bike riding instructor, but I understood that she was expressing her appreciation. That's successful communication.
From the mouth of a sincere child, that’s true praise and a gift. Most other people should consider passing on those sentiments in a less hackneyed way.
Aargh. You're the best. My former boss would say the expression in French “T’es mon meilleur" only because he was highly dependent on the journalism services of a nearby radio station when he addressed the director there. He would then denigrate him to anyone who would listen. Yup, that saying is often used hypocritically.
So true. When restoring greatness refers to times when discrimination and marginalization was more rampant.
“Circle back”, Walk back (where did that come from?), Clap back (what does that even mean?). Probably the one I hate most is “hack.” It used to mean crooks breaking into your bank account or email account. Now it seems to mean a helpful hint, such as “laundry hacks” or “packing hacks.” Makes me cringe every time.
Personally, I am sick and tired of everyone saying, “Right?” Agreeing with everything in the form of a question is trite and it’s way overused.
I’ll add the phrase 100% when one agrees with another person. Really? Do you agree 100%? And again it’s over-utilized.
The opening scene of Vengeance is parody of two guys at a posh party overusing 100% in their conversation. It's hilarious. If that one bugs you, you might like it.
I'll check it out! Sounds fun.
And ending a sentence with, “know what I mean?” I’m really tired of it, whether I say it or someone else does! Maybe we don’t have to end our statements with a solicitation of instant agreement. Maybe just be quiet and let others respond?
I like to look the other person in the eye and say, “I have no idea.” I don’t do it often, but it’s fun.
I am from South Africa - and I know that South Africans love to copy the USA lingo... but I don't know where our youth are learning phrases like: "The place was lit AF "
Also, words like 'ideally and essentially' keeps popping up in explanations or answers given by the younger generation.
"To make a long story short"
"Let's circle back"
ACRONYMS... USE YOUR WORDS!!!
"The people in the E suite".
Ugh, there are so many more, but I need to work today.
Usually, when people say, "to make a long story short," the story has already dragged on way longer than I want to listen.
“Whatever” is annoying. It leaves the topic of the conversation up in the air.
I read the entire email. And I will go to the source of a “7 things worth knowing” item if I want more information.
There was a funny meme I saw. “”When your wife says ‘Whatever’, you’re in serious trouble.” Haha
LOL. And when the husband says it they're just sick of the conversation. Gender!
I have someone who sent me an entire book on the word "Whatever" ... I'm intrigued but need to find the time ...
Ooof. As someone who spent a decade adjacent to the Seattle start-up world, these overused phrases make me twitchy! I remember when everyone had something like "I'm a marketing ninja!" in their twitter bio. Coincidentally, I just wrote something about that phase of my career when someone called me a "thought leader" and I panicked because...well...you'll see:
https://jenzug.substack.com/p/someone-once-called-me-a-thought-leader
(beware that I invoke "boss lady" in that post! haha)
These days the new ones I've run into are:
- "Yeah, I want to double-tap on that by saying..."
- "I just want to flag something here..."
I heard these two things a bazillion times a day at the last company I worked for. LOL
Part of today's newsletter comes from me telling my wife I was going to print business cards that just said: "Bill Murphy Jr., Thought Leader." I thought it would obviously be tongue in cheek but she pointed out rightly that about .1% of people would probably get the joke1
😂
jeeze, louise (I know, don't call you Louise), I read it all! That's a comment for "other" which leads to "YAY" for the kids out exploring on their own!!
& I laughed at some of the now used cliches w/ the adjoining explanations of why not to use (#12 pops to mind w/out rereading them all)
Is ‘put a pin in it’ the new ‘parking lot that item?’ (…and is this still the correct punctuation usage, even though I still don’t like placing the question mark inside the quotation mark?)
I also don’t love what to me seems like much more often making verbs of words i more commonly think of as nouns, such as ‘surfacing’ and ‘centering’ and such.
Ugh, made up verbs! I can't stand "ideating." Also, "impact" as a verb when the word "affect" would be more accurate.