Well, um, we all know at least one. Some of us know a hundred or more. Those words, expressions, and phrases that are annoying, exhausting, and if you look really closely say nothing at all. I recently posted on this topic and was intrigued by the response, so I wanted to continue the conversation:
- Like, well, um, the word like. Seriously. Who likes the really annoying use of the word like?
- And seriously, who likes seriously?
- Our language abounds with empty words and even emptier expressions. Here’s a list of five expressions we hope you’ll consider deleting from your mental hard drive:
1. The reality is. This phrase has been exhausted by everyone from friends and family members to news pundits. As if there were a different reality? As if reality was suddenly suspended or the person lived in another reality? Once you notice one person use this phrase, you’re going to start noticing it everywhere. And we’re sorry (in advance).
2. Bejesus. The word should scare the bejesus out of me, except I’m not sure what a bejesus is and if it suddenly popped out of me I wouldn’t be wildly embarrassed and make a beeline for the backdoor. I don’t want to see your bejesus and I don’t think you want to see mine. So let’s stop scaring the bejesus out of each other.
3. Outside the box. Who isn’t exhausted from thinking outside the box now that we’ve been using this phrase for years? I think we should take the box straight to the recycling bin and wave a goodbye to this expression forever.
4. Cool beans. There’s nothing cool about cool beans. Nothing. If you’re still saying cool beans, it may be time to update your wardrobe and hairstyle. I’m just sayin’.
5. I’m just sayin’. Speaking of that expression, um, no, you’re not. You’re really saying it. Get your honesty on and just say it.
What word or phrase do you want to retire?
**The beautiful photograph above was found here.
Let’s all retire “Fail.” As in, “I planned to get up early and workout. FAIL.”
I personally need to retire “That’s hilarious.” If something were truly hilarious, I’d laugh at it. Not make a statement about it. Ha!
I say cool beans! I also say “crazy beans.” As in, “Did you see that mob at the store today? It was crazy beans!” So, really, it’s just like saying “It was crazy!” but adding some beans for good measure. 🙂 It’s a Rachel Original.
“Epic”
I’ve heard clothing, food, commercials, and everything/anything else described as “epic” in 2010.
I literally think that the word ‘literally’ has got to go. It is literally the most overused word in the English language. I don’t if there is a day that goes by that I literally have to use that word. It would literally be a great day, or year, if we could get by without using that word. I think it would literally change our language.