Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Annoying Words and Idyllic Writing Spots

Thought for the day: Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain.  [Lily Tomlin]


As you can probably tell by that nifty badge on the left, it's that time again.Time for our monthly IWSG posts. As always, thanks to our fearless leader, Alex Cavanaugh, for founding this fine group, and
 thanks to all the other nurturing guys and gals who've helped turn it into the thriving community it is today. To join this super supportive group of writers and to see links to other participating blogs, please go HERE











I don't know if Lily's right about language filling some kind of deep-seated need to complain, but I do want to complain about the way some people use language. Aren't there some overused words and phrases you'd like to see blown to smithereens? Like the inexplicable trend these days of taking perfectly good nouns, slapping an -ize or -ate on their behinds, and then using them as verbs: We need to strategize fast, because we're about to destinate. 

I mean, reeeeally? That's like putting a saddle on my cat and trying to enter her in the Kentucky Derby.

Teenagers, in particular, have always liked to adopt certain words and phrases as their own. I know my friends and I did. Heck, I still use a lot of those words today. Like neat and cool. But, to be fair, teenagers aren't the only ones who adopt pet words and then kill them through overuse. Remember the phase a couple decades ago when it seemed like everybody called absolutely everything awesome? We knew a gal who used to say the word absurd so much, it was completely... absurd. My fifth year French teacher salted her lessons with the phrase c'est a dire, but I'm telling ya, she didn't sprinkle; she pulled the top off the shaker and dumped the whole thing. I have it on (ahem) good authority that  she once said it a whopping 138 times in the course of a 50-minute session. It got so we were more interested in how many times she'd utter that phrase than we were in whatever lesson she was trying to teach.

Well, here's the thing... did you know there's such a thing as an annual Banished Word List?








 Ooooh, I'm telling you, it's enough to give an English teacher goosebumps.











Yep, in his efforts to promote Lake Superior University, fun-loving PR Director Bill Rabe came up with some scathingly brilliant ideas, including a tongue-in-cheek list of banished words. Every year since he released the first list to the media on January 1, 1976, hundreds of nominations have poured in from all over the world, helping to keep this tradition alive.

So. Wanta hear what made the list this year?





Wheelhouse, as in area of expertise – Chris, Battle Creek, Mich., “It’s not in my wheelhouse to explain why dreadful words should be banished!”; Currie, Ottawa, Ontario (Canada), “Irritating, has become a cliché, annoys me, offence to the English language, etc.”; Kevin, Portland, Ore., “It’s an awkward word to use in the 21st century. Most people have never seen a wheelhouse.”
In the books . . ., as in finished or concluded – Sandy, White Lake Township, Mich., “It seems everyone’s holiday party is in the books this year, and it’s all there for friends to view on social media, along with the photos of the happy party attendees.”
Wrap my head around – Linda, Bloomington, Minn., “Impossible to do and makes no sense.”
Platform – Michael, Alameda, Calif., “People use it as an excuse to rant. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter have become platforms. Even athletes call a post-game interview a ‘platform.’ Step down from the platform, already.”
Collusion, as in two or more parties limiting competition by deception – John, Grosse Pointe Park, Mich., “We all need to collude on getting rid of this word.”
OTUS family of acronyms such as POTUS, FLOTUS, SCOTUS – David, Kinross, Mich., “Overused useless word for the President, Supreme Court, First Lady.”
Ghosting – Carrie, Caledonia, Mich., “Somebody doesn’t want to talk with you. Get over it. No need to bring the paranormal into the equation.”
Yeet, as in to vigorously throw or toss – Emily, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., “If I hear one more freshman say “yeet,” I might just yeet myself out a window.”
Litigate – Ronald, Fredericton, New Brunswick (Canada), “Originally meant to take a claim or dispute to a law court . . . appropriated by politicians and journalists for any matter of controversy in the public sphere.”
Grapple – David, Traverse City, Mich., “People who struggle with ideas and issues now grapple with them. I prefer to grapple with a wrestler or an overgrown tree. ”
Eschew – Mary, Toronto, Ont. (Canada), “Nobody ever actually says this word out loud, they just write it for filler.”
Crusty – Hannah, Campbellsville, Ky., “This has become a popular insult. It’s disgusting and sounds weird. Make the madness stop.”
Optics – Bob Tempe, Ariz., “The trendy way to say ‘appearance’.”
Legally drunk – Philip, Auburn, Ind., “You’re a little tipsy, that’s all. That’s legally drunk. People who are ticketed for drunk driving are actually ‘illegally drunk,’ and we should say so.”
Thought Leader – Matt, Superior, Colo., “Thoughts aren’t ranked or scored. How can someone hold a thought-lead, much less even lead by thought?”; Paul, Ann Arbor, Mich., “If you follow a thought leader, you’re not much of a thinker.”
Importantly – Constance, Pace, Tex., “Totally unnecessary when ‘important’ is sufficient. ‘More importantly’ (banned in 1992) apparently sounds more important but is also senseless.”
Accoutrements – Leslie, Scottsdale, Ariz., “Hard to spell, not specific, and anachronistic when ‘accessories’ will do.”
Most important election of our time . . . – José, Ozark, Ark., “Not that we haven’t had six or seven back-to-back most important elections of our time.”

So tell me, what words or phrases would YOU like to see drop kicked to the moon? For me, it's any way, shape, or form. How about you?


Go ahead... I'm all ears.

To give you an idea of some past picks:
  • at this point in time (1976)
  • by and large (1987)
  • close proximity (1990)
  • in my humble opinion (1992)
  • orientate (1988)
  • peacekeeping force (1996)
  • phone tag (1997)
  • refudiate (2011)
  • same difference (1987)
  • truthiness (2007)
 And from 2013, when I last visited this topic in a blog post:
  • fiscal cliff
  • kick the can down the road
  • double down
  • job creators/creation
  • passion/passionate
  • YOLO  (You only live once)
  • spoiler alert
  • bucket list
  • trending
  • superfood
  • boneless wings
  • guru
  Writers have to be especially careful about falling into the trap of overusing words and phrases, because it is oh-so-easy to do. It's uncanny, for example, how frequently the simple words that and very can pop up in a manuscript if we aren't on the look-out for it. In fact, there's a loooong list of  words ... and actions (like nose-scratching, cheek-biting, shrugging, etc.) which, I have on good authority, have nefarious intentions of taking over your otherwise scintillating prose. So... heads up!

Okay, on to this month's question: 

If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be, and why?                                   

[image courtesy of morguefile]
In Ireland, you go to someone's house, and she asks you if you want a cup of tea. You say no, thank you, you're really just fine. She asks if you're sure. You say of course you're sure, really you don't need a thing. Except they pronounce it ting.'You don't need a ting. Well, she says then, I was going to get myself some anyway, so it would be no trouble. Ah, you say, well, if you were going to get yourself some, I wouldn't mind a spot of tea, at that, so long as it's no trouble and I can give you a hand in the kitchen. Then you go through the whole thing all over again until you both end up in the kitchen drinking tea and chatting.

In America, someone asks you if you want a cup of tea, you say no, and then you don't get any damned tea.

I liked the Irish way better. [C.E. Murphy]

[image courtesy of morguefile]
So... maybe Ireland?

I  mean, just think of all the lush green fields.. the old castles... the rugged shore and crashing waves. Ooooh, and the Irish dances! The jigs, the lovely music and Riverdancing... the quaint pubs!

It all sounds fantastic, doesn't it?

But... truth? I wouldn't want to go there to write. (I only chose Ireland because I love that C.E. Murphy quote.) The truth is, when I write... or even when I read... I have tunnel vision. My surroundings disappear, because I become totally immersed in the world I'm creating or visiting. So, bottom line, I can write anywhere with a modicum of quiet, so why waste a trip to anywhere exotic if I'm not cognizant enough to enjoy it? I'd much rather visit those places for the sheer enjoyment of it... and leave the writing for later.  
                 

If the English language made any sense, a catastrophe would be an apostrophe with fur.  [Gary Larson]

Political language ... is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.  [George Orwell]

I think it would be cool if you were writing a ransom note on your computer, if the paper clip popped up and said, 'Looks like you're writing a ransom note. Need help? You should use more forceful language, you'll get more money.'   [Demetri Martin]

Slang is a language that rolls up its sleeves, spits on its hands, and goes to work. [Carl Sandburg]

Language is wine upon the lips.  [Virginia Woolf]


                                      Hmmm, I believe I'll have a glass of red ... language.

                                      Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.






71 comments:

  1. One phrase I would like to drop-kick to the moon or further is "years of age" as in she is now 94 years of age. What's wrong with saying old? it's much faster and at 94 definitely true.

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    1. Agreed! I also hate the expressions "has gone missing" and "went missing." So much so, if it's used in a book blurb, I won't read the book.

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  2. I am a huge fan of language. Definitely wine, and intoxicating.
    My list of banned words/phrases? Very, very long. Like awesomely long. Verbing is so last century. and I wish it stayed there.

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  3. Every election season brings about new phrases I could add to the list.

    My mother must have been Irish!

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    1. UGH! Don't remind me about election season. This next one should be a real doozy, and if some of those who are running aren't sure about a word, they'll make one up.

      Your mother must've been a sweetie. :)

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  4. Fun post! Language and speech change continually, and not always for the better. There are a lot of words I hate here in Germany, too, but I suppose people won't stop using them because I don't like them! Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Thanks! You're right; language is continually evolving. I have a dictionary of archaic words, and some of them are terrific... but long dead. Too bad. (And they replaced them with words like "selfie"...)

      Hugs back atcha.

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  5. Hi Susan - of course ... you write and I think - but nothing comes to mind ... such is life! But I agree - interesting about the list - I hadn't heard of that. Spelling of words annoys me ... and why do we need to write American, when we're speaking/writing English?????

    Enough for now - the first day of autumnal wet here! Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi-ya, Hilary. Well, there's the Queen's English... and there' Americanized English. (Or bastardized, I believe you Brits call it, eh? HA!) I've read so many books by British and Australian writers, I've come to enjoy the variations in our expressions.

      Still HOT here. Cheers!

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  6. Don't get me started on the subject of over-used (and misused) words and phrases. You've done a remarkable job of covering the gamut in this post.

    Another thing that bugs me is hearing "the trial of the century", "the hurricane of the century", etc.

    When you mentioned a "scathingly brilliant idea" I immediately thought of "The Trouble With Angels", the 1968 film with Hayley Mills.

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    1. You bringing up the "whatever of the century" reminds me of another expression that was done to death for a while: "the mother of all whatever." OY! After a while the hyperbole loses its power to impress.

      Smart man! That's exactly where I got that expression! After seeing that movie, my girlfriend and I adopted the expression for a while. But I thought it came out earlier than that.

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    2. You're right, Susan - that film came out in 1966. I only guessed on the year.
      It's one of my favorite films and brings back warm memories of the '60's.

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    3. Wow. "You're right, Susan." Words I can never hear too often... HA! Thanks. :)

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    4. One of my favourite movies too.

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  7. Although the first time I heard 'incentivise' I think I hit that person with a stick, I have become oddly enamoured of bad language choices. I think I've tuned in to the comedy of it :-)

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    1. I dunno if I'd hit someone with a stick (HA!) for saying "incentivize," but I'm sure I'd grind my teeth a little. I guess I'm still waiting to become enamored of language that makes me want to grind my teeth, but I'll work on it. :)

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  8. Once I called in on a conference call and was excused because the leader told me the meeting had been "re-purposed." Ugh!

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    1. UGH! That is a groaner. My husband used to have a supervisor who said things like that. And she never simply wanted to talk... she wanted to "interface."

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    2. I'd prefer "outerface" myself. Personal space people, step back now. my mother was always "inyaface" which is what interface reminds me of.

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  9. I'll admit I've used awesome a bit.
    Yeet? That's a word? Spellcheck says no.
    Most texting words should go out the window.

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    1. Thanks to their texting habits, some of the language our grandchildren use is completely alien to me. Makes me feel like a dummy.

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  10. I knew I was in trouble when I was spending time with my young niece and she turned to me and said, not in a snotty way just matter-of-fact, "You say 'cool' a lot." Sigh.

    And I agree re the word "ghosting."

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    1. HA! I'm sure your niece would say the same thing to me. And that's... cool. :)

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  11. I didn't know there was such a thing as banished words. I was told not to use slang words, but I admit to over using awesome. My dream is to some day travel to Ireland.

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    1. Well, technically, they aren't really banished. I mean, no word police is gonna slap the cuffs on you for using one of them. It's more of a tongue-in-cheek rant about words people wish were banished.

      I hope your dream comes true. :)

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  12. this is an amazing, sublime post. Yes, those are two words I'm guilty of overusing. Repurposed is an annoying word too. And downsize is getting old. I'm thinking England to be my best Jane Austen. But face it, the writing I'm doing involves a grocery list and it's not very creative.
    Oh, and maybe I'm tired of creative....it holds too much pressure.
    Oh, and pressure....
    Have a good week. Hunker down - hope Dorian skirts by you folks.

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    1. Oh, yes. That's because I'm such an amazing, sublime person. HA!

      Well, m'dear, if the most creative thing you're writing these days is your grocery list, maybe that's enough. (As long as you're creating some amazingly sublime meals with the stuff you buy, that is...)

      You have a super week, too. Dorian shouldn't cause us any trouble here, but I do hope it brings us a bit of cooling rain. According to my car thermometer, it was 100 degrees earlier this afternoon. (And it felt more like 150 in the car!)

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  13. Words and phrases come and go. ‘Come and go’ might also overused but I do like it because it is has a musical sound and is pleasant. What annoys me is the word ‘amazing’ used to describe mostly ordinary things. It has become the most used adjective said today. What ‘tips the scales’ for me, though, is the expression, ‘No problem’ in response to someone saying ‘thank you’ . What problem? Did I cause a situation? Should I be apologizing? What the heck?

    I do hope, Susan, that Dorian will be no problem for you and yours.

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    1. You're right about, "No problem." I guess saying, "You're welcome" is old-fashioned now, eh? Too bad. I guess we're old-fashioned. Sobeit.

      Thanks. Dorian shouldn't be causing us any trouble. I hope your granddaughter's okay, too.

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  14. There are truly so many wonderful words we can use, it's sad that some people get caught up in using only the bad ones. Even they can be better expressed than the common 4 letter ones we hear so much of these days. Over and over. I have always thought of writing as a gift and have been blessed to read many good books. I don't think it matters where or when, the word will come when you get inspired to do so.

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    1. You're right, of course. The overuse of foul language can be the sign of a lazy speaker.

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  15. Umm...I still say things are awesome. I've actually used that word a few times in comments on IWSG posts today. I also use "neat" when I don't want to use "awesome." HAHAHA!

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    1. HA! What can I say? Some habits are hard to break. I still say "awesome," too, but not nearly as much as "cool."

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  16. Another great post. A language quirk that miffs me: careless hyperbole. I, for one, am not "totally obsessed" with anything or anyone and, if I were, I'd seek psychiatric care.

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    1. In today's world, everything is the best, most innovative, most scintillating, most whatever. I know that because the commercials tell me so. And they wouldn't lie to us, now, would they?

      You're right. Hyperbole is used so much, the superlatives kinda lose their meaning.

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  17. Agree with you. If it's quiet, you can write.

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  18. 'Fer sure' ... 'for days' … and my personal peeve, 'amazing.' Since hearing (that) the word 'just' is a no-no, I've tried to wean myself. Once in a while it actually works!
    I'm sure there are plenty more, but now I'm focused on a wee spot of red. :)

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    1. I don't know if the word "just" is a no-no. Sometimes, it's just superfluous. :)

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  19. Never even heard of Yeet before. Guess I'm not up on things. Ireland wouldn't be a bad spot, especially if you like tea. People saying awesome every two seconds gets an eye roll from me.

    When people keep using our "biggest ever" "the best ever" etc. it tends to make me want to kick them to the moon. Oh, it's bigger by a dollar. Woweee. Pffft. That and "new and improved." It can't be new and improved. It can either be new or it can be improved. Can't be both! Just sounds better than old and improved to the marketing guys I guess. And luck. People need to stop blaming everything on luck. Another figment of their imagination. Pffft. End rant lol

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    1. I never heard of yeet before, either. Maybe it's a Michigan thing... or a college-age thing. I score a zero on both of those counts.

      Luck? I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Go figure!

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  20. If I hear the phrase "In the end of the day" one more time … I will go to bed, pull the covers over my head and not get up again until the end of the day :) Love, cat.

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  21. I do like the Irish laid back way of life. Trouble is, with all that Guinness I don't think I'd get any writing done ...

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    1. I'm sure there would be a ton of things to distract me from writing if I were in Ireland, but fortunately, beer wouldn't be one of them. My husband, on the other hand...

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  22. I thoroughly enjoyed your post, the offers of tea, the banned expressions ( I absolutely loathe all the ones you listed) and the catastrophe. Fabulous blog post.

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  23. Banished words? Banished words! I can't believe it. Thanks for such a good post as usual.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. Relax! They aren't ACTUALLY banished. They're words some people consider to be so overused, they'd LIKE to banish them. :)

      Greetings back atcha.

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  24. blessings...
    great post.
    i am thinking about writing a book.
    any suggestions? Things to look for? Pit falls?

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    1. You're thinking about writing a book? That's terrific! First off, you should join the IWSG, and the link to do just that is at the top of this post. This group's writers have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share, and they're always great about helping newcomers. That would be my first suggestion.

      Then, park your posterior in a chair... and write! And enjoy yourself. Writing isn't an easy path, and it rarely leads to wealth and fame, but most of us do it for the sheer love of it.

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  25. Hello Susan.
    I like those words/phrases! My favorite: ghosting.
    I'm thinking about visiting Ireland next year - if I ever find a dog sitter, of course... I'll remember your text. Fortunately, I'm very keen on tea!

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    1. Hi-ya, Ana.

      How wonderful! I hope you do make it to Ireland next year. (I'm keen on tea, too!)

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  26. Oh I love the banned words! So funny! I think platform and optics were my favorites of the current list. Amen to both!
    I would love to go to Ireland as well and that quote is so true and funny.

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    1. I'm in favor of a bunch of those words on the current list being kicked to the curb, but I have to admit, I never even heard of the word "yeet" before.

      Perhaps we can meet in Ireland some day... for a nice spot of tea. :)

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  27. I'm pretty sick of "collusion" about now. Never heard of "yeet" - I'll have to google that.

    I used to work for a company where one of the head honchos loved to use the word "synergy." My co-workers and I really, really wanted to make a drinking game out of it, but it was at work, so...

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    1. Oh yeah! I forgot about "synergy." That used to be a favorite buzz word of one of Smarticus' former bosses, too.

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  28. One word that bugs me is "awesome." It seems quite overused. I'm also tired of hearing the phrases, "at the end of the day" and "amazing journey."'

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    1. You're right. It is overused. EVERYTHING can's be "awesome."

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  29. I still get irked by it's and the wrong usage of it.

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  30. I have to stop and think every time I write its and it's. They're bassackwards. I too get annoyed with word inflation and hyperbole. Understatement is far more powerful. BTW, we were DHS classmates in '66. I see you're a writer. I'll have to buy one of your books. I stumbled onto your blog while researching a line in a book I'm writing. The line involved you.

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    1. Hi-ya. Well, to say I'm intrigued would be a HUGE understatement. A line that involved me, eh? Verrrrry interesting...

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  31. Okay. It works.

    Nothing spectacular. I was just writing about writing. I was riffing on The Inkling. Do you remember The Inkling? You were on the staff. You worried that I might be like the character in my story. Just some prosaic musings. I'm happy to see that you've published two books.

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    1. Aye, it works. Hi-ya, Roy. Sure, I remember "The Inkling." Matter of fact, I still have a copy. I reckon I'm gonna have to pull it out take a look-see to refresh my memory about your story.

      Thanks.

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  32. I believe that was the longest post that I read all the way through that I actually enjoyed. I didn't want to leave a comment because you had 69 comments before mine.

    I don't like when people shorten words now like crazy becomes cra. Not necessary.

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    1. Well, thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I promise... the next post will be a lot shorter. :)

      Me, neither. But even worse than saying "cray" to me is saying "cray-cray." UGH!

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