Okay. Here is my list of the words and expressions that I find the most annoying. This is not just a highly subjective list. People I have spoken to are also annoyed by some of the words are phrases that are on this list. So, without further ado, here is my list.
- Joanne
MY LIST OF ANNOYING WORDS AND PHRASES
It is what it is. That expression means absolutely nothing.
Spinster: Why isn't there a similar word for an unmarried man or lifelong bachelor? It's sexist.
Nag: Another sexist word. In the world of horse racing, the term "nag" is often used to describe female horses. With human beings, it's almost always a woman who is described as a nag.
My bad. Why can't we just say, "I was wrong." or "I made a mistake?
I could care less. It should be "I couldn't care less."
It goes without saying . . . Well then, why say it?
No offence, but . . . is usually followed by something offensive.
I'm just saying . . . I'm not sure what message that this expression is supposed to convey. Is the speaker unsure about how his words will be received? It sounds apologetic.
Basically is used far too often and unnecessarily. It has become a filler. It should be used to mean "fundamentally" or "in the most essential respects."
Like don't get me started on how like is used in like three or four times in like every sentence.
Literally when it is used to denote something in a figurative or exaggerated sense, not an actual sense. For example, it's ridiculous to say "I literally died."
The honest truth: If a truth isn't honest, then what is it? The expression is redundant.
Everything happens for a reason is often meant to provide comfort. However, not everything happens for a reason. Some things just happen. Period.
