I’m going to channel my inner Andy Rooney today. (Kids, go ask your grandma who that is.)
Did you ever notice that certain words and phrases become popular and then take over and smother all creative expression?
Really? Seriously? Whatever.
There’s three for you right there.
At first you see a new phrase and you think “Cool beans, that’s clever!” And you use it, and you notice other people using it. Then everyone is saying they “are all about” whatnot and suddenly you are so. over. it.
It’s like being on a reality show and saying you “aren’t there to make friends” and that you’re “above the drama”. Please. At least try to be original.
I even notice hackneyed language on serious news discussion shows. If I hear someone described as having “gravitas” one more time…
So, here’s my list of Stuff I’m Going to Stop Saying:
- “Literally”. Unless of course, it is literal. You can’t take that away from me!
- “So Not”. It will be so not easy to quit this one.
- “Really?” and “Seriously?” It’s over, people. May I suggest “For real?”
- “What happens in _____ stays in _____.” I’m an abuser of this one. But what happens on a mommy blog stays on a mommy blog. Am I right?
I’ve also noticed I’ve started saying “yeah, yeah, yeah” really fast lately instead of plain “yes” when I’m agreeing with someone in casual conversation.
Also, I’ve been tsk-ing when I’m fake-displeased. This is annoying even to myself and I need to knock it off.
So, any clichés you vow to retire from usage? Notice any new, annoying phrases in current culture?
Seriously,
This is a great post!
Just sayin'. 😉
HOW COULD I HAVE FORGOTTEN JUST SAYIN'?!?
You are the cat's pajamas, Nota. The regular bee's knees. I say let's bring back the idioms from the 1920's.
And how, Doll! That would be nifty!
Here's a phrase I want to bring back, in my very own home, and I want to hear my children say it: "Yes ma'am."
or how about: "Mom! You were right!!!"
I can never hear phrases like that enough.
Um, how about, "I totally agree." I say that too much, all the words, not just "ITA."
Does it count if it's just the acronym?
Is "BTDT" better than "Been there done that" or is it all the same cliche?
Teach me.
ajoy
I like Chloe's suggestiong. I mean, what comes around goes around, right?
O Snap I just love this post! After I read it I said to myself "I know right?"
ajoy, I think it's all the same and one knows when one is over-using something.
Sometimes I can't stop myself. I caught myself tsk-ing again today. Argh!
Ashley, I think I single-handedly killed "I know, right?"
Nota, thank you for the reply. Good to know.
-Audrey