Monday, July 13, 2009

Let's Ban Some Phrases

UPDATE ON OLD POST: Please take a look at a political art blog dontcallmesweetie that elaborates on my desire to ban "At the end of the day..." from the political lexicon:


My previous post from 12/08: This is the beginning of a list of hackneyed and misplaced phrases or responses that are frequently used. I'm always yelling at the TV or radio when they're said. Instead, I'm hoping that writing about them here, a few others will join me to lobby to remove from our lexicon

Here they are:
“At the end of the day . . .” Said by media reporters, politicians and everyone making some type of public pronouncement.
Womanpolitico: Try anything else. How about “Finally…” ?

“I have to tell you . . .” used especially by politicians.
Womanpolitico: No, you don’t have to tell me but you want to.
“It’s my opinion …” or “I believe . . .”

“No problem” : said by clerks, wait people, anyone to whom you’ve just said “thank you.”
Womanpolitico: Please just say “you’re welcome.”

I'd love to hear others' pet peeves in the language area. Sphere: Related Content

4 comments:

Katherine "Kay" Slaughter said...

I posted this earlier today. Then I made a call to order an item from a catalog. When I thanked the clerk at the end of the call, she replied "No problem." I called a political candidate's office to tell the staff that they had thanked me for a gift several thousand dollars larger than the one I made. When I thanked the person for the message, he said "No problem." AARGH.

Katherine "Kay" Slaughter said...

I posted this earlier today. Then I made a call to order an item from a catalog. When I thanked the clerk at the end of the call, she replied "No problem." I called a political candidate's office to tell the staff that they had thanked me for a gift several thousand dollars larger than the one I made. When I thanked the person for the message, he said "No problem." AARGH.

Anonymous said...

"No problem" is used when you're not welcome. I am liable to use it when I am asked to go above and beyond for somebody and only get a "Thanks." Fine, no problem. (you're not welcome.)

See?

Devora said...

In addition to "No problem," I also can't stand the "my bad." WHAT does that mean?!

BTW I just found your blog through Facebook. I think you're doing a wonderful job. I'm new to blogging myself.