Words, usages, and phrases that annoy the shit out of you...

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what?

― Eisbär (llamasfur), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 22:36 (twenty-two years ago)

That seems like it'd be right up your alley, TEH ONE AN ONLEY DEANN GULBAREY

― oops (Oops), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 22:36 (twenty-two years ago)

My friends got into saying "P-word" as a jokingly PC way of saying "pussy" .. i.e. - "so-and-so is a p-word." I tried to explain that it's a real pussy move to be afraid of saying pussy and hypocritical of anyone then to call anyone else a p-word. I think it fell on deaf ears.

― TEH ONE AN ONLEY DEANN GULBAREY (deangulberry), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 22:37 (twenty-two years ago)

my p hurts!

― Eisbär (llamasfur), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 22:37 (twenty-two years ago)

If my dad wants to agree with something you've said, he says "This is true." It really, really gets me annoyed, for no other reason than overuse as far as I can think.

― caitlin (caitlin), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 23:21 (twenty-two years ago)

"Have a Cool Yule!" - I haven't actually heard this lately but because of the season I remembered this the other day and darkly mulled over its wankiness.

― Chriddof (Chriddof), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 23:26 (twenty-two years ago)

using "Cool Yule" seems like it should automatically warrant a knife in the face.

― El Santo Claus (Kingfish), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 23:36 (twenty-two years ago)

My father met Cheech Marin while drunk and got his autograph. My father is not the autograph type, but kept it because it is a small bar napkin that says "BE COOL FOOL, CHEECH." A man of few words, that Cheech.

― TEH ONE AN ONLEY DEANN GULBAREY (deangulberry), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 23:38 (twenty-two years ago)

I cant stand it when I hear someone say 'impactful' is that even a word? Impact is not a property, its created.

― bill stevens (bscrubbins), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 23:45 (twenty-two years ago)

It must say something about ILX that this is the most repeated topic of all time:

Four Words: Use Other Words Please
"Use other words please."
Commonly used phrases that inexplicably bug you
Most irritating cliche/phrase/expression
"Taking Things to a Whole `Nother Level!"
words that annoy
Words that should earn the author a slap
PROVERBIAL and other tip offs to poor writing

― N. (nickdastoor), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 23:48 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm getting really pissed of with american interpretations of 'Liberal', 'Libertarian' and 'Conservative'

― Ed (dali), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 23:52 (twenty-two years ago)

I also get upset about "N-Word" as well. If you're using it in a critical context, people will understand that. If you're not, then you should have the conviction to let people hear it if you want to say it.

― TEH ONE AN ONLEY DEANN GULBAREY (deangulberry), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 23:54 (twenty-two years ago)

I hate "touch base" and "metrosexual"

― phil-two (phil-two), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 23:55 (twenty-two years ago)

OH come on, let's touch bases.

― TEH ONE AN ONLEY DEANN GULBAREY (deangulberry), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 23:57 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah, "metrosexual" is possible the lamest noun of the new millenia.

― andy, Wednesday, 24 December 2003 00:00 (twenty-two years ago)

Or is it an adjective? I don't know.

― andy, Wednesday, 24 December 2003 00:00 (twenty-two years ago)

If my dad wants to agree with something you've said, he says "This is true." It really, really gets me annoyed, for no other reason than overuse as far as I can think.

-- caitlin (wpsal...) (webmail), December 23rd, 2003. (caitlin)

Oh yes, yes yes. I second that one. And the people who say it, say it over and over.

― the music mole (colin s barrow), Wednesday, 24 December 2003 00:02 (twenty-two years ago)

But Ed, those words have different interpretations in almost every country in which they are used.

― oops (Oops), Wednesday, 24 December 2003 00:03 (twenty-two years ago)

I blame the consolidation of global political power and the diminution of class mobility on people who write in the passive voice.

I also have a horror of people who write prolifically in all caps.

― felicity (felicity), Wednesday, 24 December 2003 00:07 (twenty-two years ago)

"It must say something about ILX that this is the most repeated topic of all time..."

This is true.

But, this is a topic that should be dealt with routinely and harshly... the only way we can correct the language and suppress it's organic growth is by exposing and banning every new usage as it occurs... Isn't that what the French do?

― andy, Wednesday, 24 December 2003 00:14 (twenty-two years ago)

Least favorite (mis)usage ever - "ON accident..." it's BY accident you fucking moron!!

Also: 'fridge,' girls who refer to each other as 'girl,' proactive...i'll be back when i think of more....

― roger adultery, Wednesday, 24 December 2003 00:47 (twenty-two years ago)

I know, oops, but still it pisses me off.

― Ed (dali), Wednesday, 24 December 2003 00:54 (twenty-two years ago)

The recurrence of this topic is always accompanied by the recurrence of complaint about its recurrence.

― the music mole (colin s barrow), Wednesday, 24 December 2003 01:00 (twenty-two years ago)

Space. All this crap about needing space. Fuck off, then.

― Roderick the Visigoth. (Jake Proudlock), Wednesday, 24 December 2003 03:19 (twenty-two years ago)

All girls must now refer to one another as "guy"

― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Wednesday, 24 December 2003 03:30 (twenty-two years ago)

ok?

― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Wednesday, 24 December 2003 03:30 (twenty-two years ago)

Using "Sexy" in a business environment that has nothing to do with sex. As in "this is a very sexy proposal for our company". Well, I guess, if ripping people off is what turns you on.

― BrianB (BrianB), Wednesday, 24 December 2003 05:26 (twenty-two years ago)

'exact same'.

― luna (luna.c), Wednesday, 24 December 2003 20:47 (twenty-two years ago)

"bird" instead of "girl" or "woman". AAAAAARGH.

― Melly E (Melly E), Wednesday, 24 December 2003 21:10 (twenty-two years ago)

When people call each other 'babe' and the completely inappropriate use of the word 'literally'. Also can I add at this point, even if it may not be entirely relevant, the unjustifiable grammatical error in Rachael Stevens' song 'Sweet Dreams My LA Ex' : "accuse me of things I never done." And I've listened hard for "I've never done" to try and give her the benefit of the doubt but she doesn't say it.

― barbara wintergreen, Monday, 29 December 2003 18:24 (twenty-two years ago)

"Begging the question" and "chomping at the bit." The first is almost always used incorrectly, and the second should be "champing," Goddamn it.

― Salmon Pink (Salmon Pink), Monday, 29 December 2003 20:18 (twenty-two years ago)

or "bits"

― Curt1s St3ph3ns, Monday, 29 December 2003 20:34 (twenty-two years ago)

'any way shape or form'. Most heard in full-media-glare denials of misdeeds. Used by dodgy sportsmen who have been 'coached' by their minders for the occasion. It immediately strips the first dozen layers of credibility from whatever statement is being made.

'poetic justice'. Used by the lazy to describe all 'justice' the speaker approves of, instead of a particular type. The adjective is rendered meaningless.

Agree re 'bird' for woman/girl, and lament its threatened return. Stinks of 'I'm being un-PC, where's my medal?'. Also the C-person uses it, which kinda ends the argument.

― Fred Nerk (Fred Nerk), Monday, 29 December 2003 23:59 (twenty-two years ago)

optics

― Mr Noodles (Mr Noodles), Tuesday, 30 December 2003 00:00 (twenty-two years ago)

also photonic inplace of optic

― Mr Noodles (Mr Noodles), Tuesday, 30 December 2003 00:10 (twenty-two years ago)

"the....(insert superlative)...in pop."

― barbara wintergreen, Tuesday, 30 December 2003 00:19 (twenty-two years ago)

To return to the top of the thread, I still after 20 odd years gag on 'outreach' as a VERB....

― Fred Nerk (Fred Nerk), Tuesday, 30 December 2003 00:46 (twenty-two years ago)

the mightily empty "i could care less" variant on being unable to do the same

― ermes marana, Tuesday, 30 December 2003 01:47 (twenty-two years ago)

one year passes...

People who pronounce the word "presentation" as "PRE-sentation".

― J-rock (Julien Sandiford), Thursday, 18 August 2005 07:29 (twenty years ago)

since i was reading some VICIOUS anti- rachael ray sentiment last night and i'm still feelin' the love: "E.V.O.O. EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL"

― s/c (Jody Beth Rosen), Thursday, 18 August 2005 07:32 (twenty years ago)

"YUM-O"

― s/c (Jody Beth Rosen), Thursday, 18 August 2005 07:33 (twenty years ago)

cf.

― gear (gear), Thursday, 18 August 2005 07:34 (twenty years ago)

Also: 'fridge,'

Wait, huh? Fridge is the thing you put food in, whats wrong with it?

― Trayce (trayce), Thursday, 18 August 2005 08:01 (twenty years ago)

Saying "it impacted on me" instead of "it had an impact on me"... well that's annoying enough but, just recently, I've heard people say "it impacted me" - which surely would only make sense if the speaker was a molar?

― Diddyismus (Dada), Thursday, 18 August 2005 09:10 (twenty years ago)

'fridge,'

I'm picturing him saying things such as "Would you like me to remove another beverage from the refrigerator for you, whilst we watch some association football?"

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Thursday, 18 August 2005 10:29 (twenty years ago)

bougie, instead of bourgeois. heard it four times last week.

― naus (Robert T), Thursday, 18 August 2005 10:38 (twenty years ago)

"Chav"

― Diddyismus (Dada), Thursday, 18 August 2005 10:39 (twenty years ago)

bourgie?

― Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Thursday, 18 August 2005 10:42 (twenty years ago)

"Yes, sir, I am bougie, I am bougie... etc."

― Win A Lie-Down, Mrs. Davies (kate), Thursday, 18 August 2005 10:44 (twenty years ago)

"what the...?"

― jimmy glass (electricsound), Thursday, 18 August 2005 10:46 (twenty years ago)

Skipping 12018 messages at this point... Click here if you want to load them all.

... when I say middle aged I mean 55+

― Schlub 7 (Tom D.), Thursday, 5 March 2026 13:02 (one week ago)

just makes me think of bear-baiting. and you're damn right that should be banned on all flights.

― Reggaeton Sax (NickB), Thursday, 5 March 2026 13:08 (one week ago)

Should be banned everywhere.

― Schlub 7 (Tom D.), Thursday, 5 March 2026 13:17 (one week ago)

They used to call it sodcasting

― jus au rascal (wins), Thursday, 5 March 2026 13:28 (one week ago)

Because they are not sheathing their beats in the condom of headphones.

lol

― Mollusk, Virginia (Boring, Maryland), Thursday, 5 March 2026 13:33 (one week ago)

i need to take my comment re this barebeating phenomenon to the general “complain about something” thread

― madame defarge supporters club (Hunt3r), Thursday, 5 March 2026 13:45 (one week ago)

'boots on the ground'

for a great many reasons

― mookieproof, Friday, 6 March 2026 05:03 (one week ago)

It's never Air Jordans or Jimmy Choo pumps

― calmer chameleon (Ye Mad Puffin), Friday, 6 March 2026 05:28 (one week ago)

Probably mentioned previously, but I can't stands it when a couple is said to "meet cute"

― henry s, Monday, 9 March 2026 13:00 (five days ago)

in real life, not in a movie?

― obvious old hat (rob), Monday, 9 March 2026 13:02 (five days ago)

the bar for meet cute has really been lowered the last few years, feel like now it's basically any time a couple meets not an a dating app

― Tracer Hand, Monday, 9 March 2026 13:28 (five days ago)

'boots on the ground'

it's no "guns in the sky"

― fluffy tufts university (f. hazel), Monday, 9 March 2026 14:13 (five days ago)

I would accept two butchers calling how they got together a "meat cute."

― calmer chameleon (Ye Mad Puffin), Monday, 9 March 2026 15:54 (five days ago)

can't spell charcuterie without cute

― henry s, Monday, 9 March 2026 16:57 (five days ago)

See? It writes itself. We both reached for the prosciutto, soon we were hiding the salami.

― calmer chameleon (Ye Mad Puffin), Monday, 9 March 2026 21:29 (five days ago)

Why is it called a meet cute rather than a cute meeting?

― Alba, Tuesday, 10 March 2026 08:26 (four days ago)

Shorter.

― a ZX spectrum is haunting Europe (Daniel_Rf), Tuesday, 10 March 2026 08:34 (four days ago)

Cuter.

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 10 March 2026 08:35 (four days ago)

Meatier.

― m0stly clean (Slowsquatch), Tuesday, 10 March 2026 08:58 (four days ago)

"Meet cute" is an expression that somehow I had never noticed before until a couple of years ago and now I seem to see it all the time.

There is a thread for it from 2004.

― Kim Kimberly, Tuesday, 10 March 2026 14:16 (four days ago)

there's a scene in The Holiday where Eli Wallach's veteran screenwriter character explains the term

Seems like that's probably where the surge in modern usage has come from

― Number None, Tuesday, 10 March 2026 14:29 (four days ago)

Meet fart

― Strawmandalorian (Neanderthal), Tuesday, 10 March 2026 16:26 (four days ago)

think it's been used in the world of screenplays for a long time. Prominent example I can think of is in the original 101 Dalmatians. But Wikipedia says it could date as early as 1941

― Jonk Raven (dog latin), Tuesday, 10 March 2026 17:07 (four days ago)

Usage took off in the mid 80s

https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=meet+cute&year_start=1900&year_end=2022&corpus=en&smoothing=3&case_insensitive=false

― Alba, Tuesday, 10 March 2026 17:27 (four days ago)

Probably around the time of Crossing Delancey

― henry s, Tuesday, 10 March 2026 17:32 (four days ago)

which I've never seen, as I understand it involves a couple who "meet cute"

― henry s, Tuesday, 10 March 2026 17:33 (four days ago)

Your usage of it there, with meet as a verb, is perhaps the only way it was used originally. Just found a passage in a 1961 book that reads:

"Perhaps they don't meet cute enough," Mae said.
You could not get away from the studio jargon. "Meeting cute" meant roughly that our hero did something like stepping on a banana peel, losing his balance and sliding on his behind up to the girl, though of course there endless variations.

― Alba, Tuesday, 10 March 2026 17:39 (four days ago)

unfortunately, the term "meet cute" immediately makes me recall the disgusting "meet squalid" story from Inherent Vice

― whimsical skeedaddler (Moodles), Tuesday, 10 March 2026 18:22 (four days ago)

An internet age (?) thing I see most days now:
- As the striking fable <Film X> releases in theaters, we talk to writer-director...
- <Album Y> releases on March 19th.

Can we go back to release being transitive? A director, studio, publisher or record label (or an organism, ocean or geological process) might be said to release something. Films, books and records are released. They do not spontaneously release themselves, nor indeed anything else. I'm not sure the language gains much from these hijinks.

― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Friday, 13 March 2026 09:16 (yesterday)

Haha, at least I'm not the only pedant. "What I find strangest about this is that it seems to have happened very recently, in about the last year or so" suggests this blog from almost a decade ago.

― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Friday, 13 March 2026 09:29 (yesterday)

I noticed that in the craft beer scene years ago. XX IPA is pouring...

― fetter, Friday, 13 March 2026 10:33 (yesterday)

Being passive has a bad rep.

― Alba, Friday, 13 March 2026 11:38 (yesterday)

I want to connect these to the Innocent Smoothies aesthetic / personification of things … see also the talking fridge in Silicon Valley

― sarahell, Friday, 13 March 2026 12:10 (yesterday)

At least "releases" is better than "drops".

― Kim Kimberly, Friday, 13 March 2026 14:19 (yesterday)

it isn't! at least when a cassette album drops these days it is the thing that is dropping. it is not releasing!

i mean I hate "drop" for the 'is now available'/ 'has been cancelled' occasional ambiguity but still

― kinder, Friday, 13 March 2026 15:28 (yesterday)

From magazine journalism: ‘covers’ for ‘is in this month’s cover’.

― einstürzende louboutin (suzy), Friday, 13 March 2026 15:45 (yesterday)

mogged
maxxing

I know I'm old but fuck this shit

― I? not I! He! He! HIM! (akm), Friday, 13 March 2026 16:27 (yesterday)

Releasing is like covers for me. “Noah Wyle covers GQ.” In what, saline?

― trishyb, Friday, 13 March 2026 16:49 (yesterday)

xp fibermaxxing?

― Andy the Grasshopper, Friday, 13 March 2026 16:58 (yesterday)

‘Covers’ shouldn’t mean anything except for a) puts something over another thing or b) sings someone else’s song.

When we are talking about being around other people, ‘interact’ sounds like we’re out here moving people around like they’re Barbies or something.

― einstürzende louboutin (suzy), Friday, 13 March 2026 17:03 (yesterday)

It's fashion's answer to medalling.

― Alba, Friday, 13 March 2026 18:47 (yesterday)

I see there was discussion about "problematic" upthread. I think that one has died down a bit, but my main issue with it is: why not say "this is a problem" instead of "this is problematic"?

― c u (crüt), Friday, 13 March 2026 19:56 (yesterday)

Problematic more or less got adopted as shorthand for "this thing is bad, you just gotta trust me" whereas when you talk about a problem, people expect you to elaborate.

― Strawmandalorian (Neanderthal), Friday, 13 March 2026 20:00 (yesterday)

In typical use 'problematic' most often suggests that the thing being described has a high potential for causing problems. It's a strange coinage but I see it as anticipatory or predictive whereas "it's a problem" is about trouble that is a certainty.

― more difficult than I look (Aimless), Friday, 13 March 2026 20:06 (yesterday)

I think it's OK to describe a situation but when it's just "problematic views" or, worse, a person, it just becomes problematic for the reasons Neanderthal alludes to, ho ho.

― Alba, Friday, 13 March 2026 20:08 (yesterday)

a problem is a thing you fix, whereas something that is problematic should be addressed with passive aggressive concerns

― whimsical skeedaddler (Moodles), Friday, 13 March 2026 20:36 (yesterday)

I think it’s safe to say that using something like the BMI as a measurement of health is problematic. It’s also a problem but it’s part of a complex web of problems that are not a single problem.

― Piggy Lepton (La Lechera), Friday, 13 March 2026 20:43 (yesterday)

Problematic more or less got adopted as shorthand for "this thing is bad, you just gotta trust me" whereas when you talk about a problem, people expect you to elaborate.

"Problematic" means "This thing is Bad, but pointing it out makes me Good."

― wipes chooser (unperson), Friday, 13 March 2026 21:51 (yesterday)

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