Author Topic: Phrases That Need to Die (Read 26299 times)

Max Wedge · « **on:** June 03, 2014, 07:14:04 AM »

There are phrases and sayings that just make me cringe and I wish they would just go away. Here are a couple and why:

"You need to think outside of the box" -this really means you have no idea, it probably can't be solved, you didn't think this through when you started, and now you want me to fix it.

"You need to get out of your comfort zone" -why? They call it comfort for a reason. I'm good with it the way it is. If I wanted something bad enough I would go through the discomfort I need to achieve it. Being uncomfortable is not honorable just for the sake being uncomfortable. It's stupid.

"Man-cave" -WTF? Your wife kicked you out of the house so you now you hide in garage like a teenager? Why would anyone give up garage space for a pool table? It sounds like you need to grow a pair or stop reading 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus' style books. *Note: this isn't to say that well equipped garage isn't nice to work/hang around in to appreciate the lines of a nice bike or car. It's just the man-cave thing.

So what are your phrases that need to die?

Cookie · « **Reply #1 on:** June 03, 2014, 07:19:10 AM »

"I'm thinking of getting out of motorcycles"

Sent from the Moto X. A wicked awesome phone.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #2 on:** June 03, 2014, 07:24:23 AM »

Quote from: Cookie on June 03, 2014, 07:19:10 AM

"I'm thinking of getting out of motorcycles"

Ouch.

MrsCablebandit · « **Reply #3 on:** June 03, 2014, 07:45:20 AM »

"I literally...<insert whatever here>!"

"I literally died laughing!" - Oh, really? So I'm talking to a zombie or a ghost of you...which is it?

"I literally peed my pants!" - Wow...how embarrassing for you. Maybe you should look into Depends.

"I literally fell off my chair at the news!" - Did that hurt? Are you OK? Has the bruising diminished?

The only time I can tolerate it is on Parks and Rec (Rob Lowe's character) because he makes the use of literally seem as absurd as it is.

Stripes · « **Reply #4 on:** June 03, 2014, 07:49:50 AM »

"I know right"

Hodge Podge · « **Reply #5 on:** June 03, 2014, 07:57:28 AM »

"incentivize"
"resiliency"
"whaaaaaat!?"

Jim · « **Reply #6 on:** June 03, 2014, 09:01:29 AM »

... more unique.
... most unique.

C/L ad: It's the most unique bike for sale in the universe!

Unique is an all or nothing. zero or one. It's like a light switch - it's either on or off. It can not be "more" on. Somewhat like being "a little pregnant" - you either are or you aren't. Something either is or is not unique.

Mr. Whippy · « **Reply #7 on:** June 03, 2014, 09:21:36 AM »

"Does everything taste good?" (Wait staff at restaurants). Huh? Why are you asking this? If it were objectionable, I'd tell you, and if you're worried it's bad, don't serve it.

"Have a good one" (Uttered from total strangers, usually at store counters etc). Kind of excessively informal for someone you don't actually know. Perfectly fine if we are well acquainted however.

MrsCablebandit · « **Reply #8 on:** June 03, 2014, 09:25:51 AM »

Quote from: Mr. Whippy on June 03, 2014, 09:21:36 AM

"Have a good one" (Uttered from total strangers, usually at store counters etc). Kind of excessively informal for someone you don't actually know. Perfectly fine if we are well acquainted however.

"Have a good one!"

"I already have a good one...I need a longer one."

Black Hills · « **Reply #9 on:** June 03, 2014, 09:37:50 AM »

"no problem"...

drives me nuts, specially when used in place of "your Welcome"

"thank you for......"
"no problem"

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #10 on:** June 03, 2014, 09:39:36 AM »

right sized

do more with less

Max Wedge · « **Reply #11 on:** June 03, 2014, 09:49:46 AM »

"Failure is not an option" -this one was used multiple times a day on a Honda program I worked on. It means that you need to work 16-18 hours days and throw as many people on it a you need (but don't have) and I don't care why it won't work, or can't be done, just magically make it happen. Failure is the only option when you don't plan.

DNA · « **Reply #12 on:** June 03, 2014, 10:26:15 AM »

It's all good...

and WTF is "chillaxing"?

Stripes · « **Reply #13 on:** June 03, 2014, 10:43:27 AM »

Quote from: DNA on June 03, 2014, 10:26:15 AM

and WTF is "chillaxing"?

Chilling out & relaxing at the same time.

mxvet57 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 03, 2014, 11:04:16 AM »

Whatever

smoker · « **Reply #15 on:** June 03, 2014, 11:07:45 AM »

Quote from: MrsCablebandit on June 03, 2014, 09:25:51 AM

"I already have a good one...I need a longer one."

TOTES MA'GOATS!!!!

Stripes · « **Reply #16 on:** June 03, 2014, 11:08:51 AM »

That's so cray

Wesley · « **Reply #17 on:** June 03, 2014, 11:14:07 AM »

"I'm a grown ass man!" I can't stand it. What does it mean anyhow? You've got your big boy panties on? Good for you. Now, come up with something intelligent to say, please.

slayman · « **Reply #18 on:** June 03, 2014, 11:15:50 AM »

Quote from: smoker on June 03, 2014, 11:07:45 AM

Quote from: MrsCablebandit on June 03, 2014, 09:25:51 AM

"I already have a good one...I need a longer one."

TOTES MA'GOATS!!!!

Thanks for the reminder of the goats that we (well maybe not you) saw along ? 311 maybe.
Hey! Totes ma'goats!

Wesley · « **Reply #19 on:** June 03, 2014, 11:18:11 AM »

Quote from: MrsCablebandit on June 03, 2014, 09:25:51 AM

"Have a good one!"

"I already have a good one...I need a longer one."

Are we still talking about needing longer days or needing a longer.......

slayman · « **Reply #20 on:** June 03, 2014, 11:21:04 AM »

"At the end of the day"

It's midnight. So what?

And a local paraphrase.

"Well, what the world" Actually pronounced "Well, what the worlT"

Max Wedge · « **Reply #21 on:** June 03, 2014, 11:45:06 AM »

Quote from: Stripes on June 03, 2014, 11:08:51 AM

That's so cray

THAT, my dear sir, is food for another thread!

I can't stand the "too lazy to say the whole word" thing. Cray, deets (as in "I need all the details"), prob, convo, and on and on.

Papa Lazarou · « **Reply #22 on:** June 03, 2014, 12:30:34 PM »

Going forward

Mr. Whippy · « **Reply #23 on:** June 03, 2014, 01:10:14 PM »

It takes a village...

I'm NOT Carl · « **Reply #24 on:** June 03, 2014, 01:26:07 PM »

"Man Up!"

smoker · « **Reply #25 on:** June 03, 2014, 01:29:47 PM »

Quote from: slayman on June 03, 2014, 11:21:04 AM

"Well, what the world" Actually pronounced "Well, what the worlT"

My grandma used to say "Well I'll be go to the mill" when she was exasperated. That one can come back.

Papa Lazarou · « **Reply #26 on:** June 03, 2014, 01:48:47 PM »

People who use words like "traumatised" when they actually just a bit worried by a higher than usual electricity bill.

Fuckwads, being traumatised is being a serious car crash, being raped, watching your children be murdered.

R Doug · « **Reply #27 on:** June 03, 2014, 03:11:55 PM »

"I hear you, but..."

or

"I appreciate what you said, but..."

The speaker believes they're being polite and empathetic by recognizing what the person just said. However, by using "but," they're also being very dismissive. And, it could cause the other party to become defensive. I'm trying to break the habit of doing this.

As a replacement, I'm trying the following approach:

"So, what you said is (repeat to make sure you understood)." Follow that by, "Have you considered..."

Napper · « **Reply #28 on:** June 03, 2014, 03:31:03 PM »

Quote from: Black Hills on June 03, 2014, 09:37:50 AM

"no problem"...

drives me nuts, specially when used in place of "your Welcome"

"thank you for......"
"no problem"

Only exceeded in pissing me off by "No worries." Who are you Alfred E. Fucking Newman?

DNA · « **Reply #29 on:** June 03, 2014, 03:33:59 PM »

Quote from: Stripes on June 03, 2014, 10:43:27 AM

Quote from: DNA on June 03, 2014, 10:26:15 AM
and WTF is "chillaxing"?

Chilling out & relaxing at the same time.

I seriously doubt the people I hear using that word are even capable of such multi-tasking....

Flyer · « **Reply #30 on:** June 03, 2014, 03:59:54 PM »

"These pretzels are making me thirsty."
They're salted pretzels, dipwad; they're supposed to make you thirsty.
Kwitbichin' and bring me another beer while you're up...

Papa Lazarou · « **Reply #31 on:** June 03, 2014, 04:10:01 PM »

Quote from: Napper on June 03, 2014, 03:31:03 PM

Quote from: Black Hills on June 03, 2014, 09:37:50 AM
"no problem"...

drives me nuts, specially when used in place of "your Welcome"

"thank you for......"
"no problem"

Only exceeded in pissing me off by "No worries." Who are you Alfred E. Fucking Newman?

Dim prob.

Stripes · « **Reply #32 on:** June 03, 2014, 04:21:18 PM »

Quote from: DNA on June 03, 2014, 03:33:59 PM

Quote from: Stripes on June 03, 2014, 10:43:27 AM
Quote from: DNA on June 03, 2014, 10:26:15 AM
and WTF is "chillaxing"?

Chilling out & relaxing at the same time.

I seriously doubt the people I hear using that word are even capable of such multi-tasking....

Right on. I believe that both phrases have the same meaning anyways.

bluepoof · « **Reply #33 on:** June 03, 2014, 05:24:58 PM »

Quote from: Napper on June 03, 2014, 03:31:03 PM

Quote from: Black Hills on June 03, 2014, 09:37:50 AM
"no problem"...

drives me nuts, specially when used in place of "your Welcome"

Only exceeded in pissing me off by "No worries."

I say both of these.

spinalator · « **Reply #34 on:** June 03, 2014, 06:16:02 PM »

Game Changer

In it to win it

Game Face

110%

(I heard all four used in playoff hockey panels recently, and it made me sad)

plus,

"Stop looking in my windows"
(my neighbours tell me that a lot)

squeezer · « **Reply #35 on:** June 03, 2014, 06:30:17 PM »

Quote from: bluepoof on June 03, 2014, 05:24:58 PM

Quote from: Napper on June 03, 2014, 03:31:03 PM
Quote from: Black Hills on June 03, 2014, 09:37:50 AM
"no problem"...

drives me nuts, specially when used in place of "your Welcome"

Only exceeded in pissing me off by "No worries."

I say both of these.

Me too. In fact, if we outlawed that, you'd have to arrest most of California.

Cablebandit · « **Reply #36 on:** June 03, 2014, 06:51:07 PM »

Cheers!

kneescrubber · « **Reply #37 on:** June 03, 2014, 07:10:23 PM »

Quote from: Cablebandit on June 03, 2014, 06:51:07 PM

Cheers!

Top of the list for me.

Cookie · « **Reply #38 on:** June 03, 2014, 07:42:58 PM »

Chorbe is Bubbles is Donkey Balls is......

Wesley · « **Reply #39 on:** June 03, 2014, 08:44:20 PM »

Quote from: Cablebandit on June 03, 2014, 06:51:07 PM

Cheers!

Out!

jadziadax8 · « **Reply #40 on:** June 03, 2014, 08:55:41 PM »

Quote from: R Doug on June 03, 2014, 03:11:55 PM

"I hear you, but..."

or

"I appreciate what you said, but..."

The speaker believes they're being polite and empathetic by recognizing what the person just said. However, by using "but," they're also being very dismissive. And, it could cause the other party to become defensive. I'm trying to break the habit of doing this.

As a replacement, I'm trying the following approach:

"So, what you said is (repeat to make sure you understood)." Follow that by, "Have you considered..."

Along these lines I submit, "No offense, but.."

I have a couple of co-workers who say this. I tell them that if they need to preface a phrase with that, then they should just shut their mouths then.

Sent through subspace from the U.S.S. Enterprise.

mxvet57 · « **Reply #41 on:** June 03, 2014, 09:53:23 PM »

Quote from: spinalator on June 03, 2014, 06:16:02 PM

plus,

"Stop looking in my windows"
(my neighbours tell me that a lot)

Then tell them to close the drapes when there having sex.

chornbe · « **Reply #42 on:** June 04, 2014, 05:31:04 AM »

Or not. I mean, who doesn't love a free peep show?

Meanwhile...

"In order that...[do something whatever]"

It's "in order to...."

And "For all intensive purposes..." None of your purposes are that intensive, you putz. Your intents and purposes might be pretty intense, though. But probably not. If fact, that whole thing can go away.

Modern English has really become very wordy. It's no surprise people have problems communicating.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #43 on:** June 04, 2014, 06:39:09 AM »

Quote from: chornbe on June 04, 2014, 05:31:04 AM

Or not. I mean, who doesn't love a free peep show?

Meanwhile...

"In order that...[do something whatever]"

It's "in order to...."

And "For all intensive purposes..." None of your purposes are that intensive, you putz. Your intents and purposes might be pretty intense, though. But probably not. If fact, that whole thing can go away.

Modern English has really become very wordy. It's no surprise people have problems communicating.

If you want to go there, butchered phrases completely derail me. For example, "....we have to nip this in the butt...". I have stopped listening to what you are saying, started thinking about what the correct word is, (bud) where the phrase came from, and why you don't know that and continue to use it, and how many other things do you say that you don't know what they mean.

R Doug · « **Reply #44 on:** June 04, 2014, 07:24:39 AM »

Quote from: Max Wedge on June 04, 2014, 06:39:09 AM

Quote from: chornbe on June 04, 2014, 05:31:04 AM
Or not. I mean, who doesn't love a free peep show?

Meanwhile...

"In order that...[do something whatever]"

It's "in order to...."

And "For all intensive purposes..." None of your purposes are that intensive, you putz. Your intents and purposes might be pretty intense, though. But probably not. If fact, that whole thing can go away.

Modern English has really become very wordy. It's no surprise people have problems communicating.

If you want to go there, butchered phrases completely derail me. For example, "....we have to nip this in the butt...". I have stopped listening to what you are saying, started thinking about what the correct word is, (bud) where the phrase came from, and why you don't know that and continue to use it, and how many other things do you say that you don't know what they mean.

I had a boss that said that all the time. He obviously never worked in a rose garden before.

On the same topic, I love it when someone says, "I'm wanted to touch bases with you." I don't follow baseball much, but I'm pretty sure a runner can only touch one base at a time.

Cookie · « **Reply #45 on:** June 04, 2014, 07:26:30 AM »

Play catch up.

Chorbe is Bubbles is Donkey Balls is......

R Doug · « **Reply #46 on:** June 04, 2014, 07:27:24 AM »

"So"

Bob: "Alice, what's the status of the new software instillation?"

Alice: "So, the team started yesterday and we expect to finish today."

Mr. Whippy · « **Reply #47 on:** June 04, 2014, 07:29:40 AM »

Quote from: R Doug on June 04, 2014, 07:24:39 AM

Quote from: Max Wedge on June 04, 2014, 06:39:09 AM
Quote from: chornbe on June 04, 2014, 05:31:04 AM
Or not. I mean, who doesn't love a free peep show?

Meanwhile...

"In order that...[do something whatever]"

It's "in order to...."

And "For all intensive purposes..." None of your purposes are that intensive, you putz. Your intents and purposes might be pretty intense, though. But probably not. If fact, that whole thing can go away.

Modern English has really become very wordy. It's no surprise people have problems communicating.

If you want to go there, butchered phrases completely derail me. For example, "....we have to nip this in the butt...". I have stopped listening to what you are saying, started thinking about what the correct word is, (bud) where the phrase came from, and why you don't know that and continue to use it, and how many other things do you say that you don't know what they mean.

I had a boss that said that all the time. He obviously never worked in a rose garden before.

On the same topic, I love it when someone says, "I'm wanted to touch bases with you." I don't follow baseball much, but I'm pretty sure a runner can only touch one base at a time.

Maybe he wanted you to be like a guard dog and nip them in the butt.

R Doug · « **Reply #48 on:** June 04, 2014, 07:32:26 AM »

Another phase I hear a lot in meetings is the misusage of "me" and "I." OK, this may be more of a grammatical pet peeve.

Incorrect

Me and Bob will take on that task.

Correct

Bob and I will take on that task.

Would you ever say, "Me will take on that task?" I hope not.

Incorrect

That task was completed by Bob and I.

Correct

That task was completed by me and Bob.

Would you ever say, "That task was completed by I?" I hope not.

Cookie · « **Reply #49 on:** June 04, 2014, 07:35:15 AM »

Grammer natzee.

Chorbe is Bubbles is Donkey Balls is......