Rant: Phrases That Annoy Me

"Beyond my skill level" One AF mechanic said that was a favorite in his day.
"Everybody benefits" Usually said of badly run government programs.
"it's in everybody's best interest". The same.
The cartoonist Harry Haenigsen created the comic strip "Penny". He would hang around the soda fountains where the kids gathered, listen to them to make sure his dialogue was up to date, occasionally make up terms and phrases which the kids would then pick up.
 
This being the political season, two that are driving me crazy.

1. "I'm offended!"
I don't care! You're a wuss.

2. Coming from any politician.This person, that person, this thing or that thing "Is a threat to our democracy!"
The U.S. is NOT a democracy! We are a Republic! Apparently the people that run our country aren't even smart enough to know that. :mad:
 
Words we can't stand

I had wanted to not duplicate any one else's contribution, and I almost did it.

Then along came rockquarry with "just sayin". Great submission rockquarry! Anytime I am in a group and hear someone use this term I interrupt and ask that person what they mean. This causes them to stumble to answer that question because they have never thought of it.

I let them go on for a couple of minutes while I savor their discomfort. Then I comment that it sounds as if they can't answer my question, so how about if I put forth my guess as to what they mean when they say it. Sensing relief, they always agree.

The trap is now set. I tell them I think they use the term to not be held accountable for whatever the opinion was that they expressed concluding with "just sayin". In other words they don't want their opinion challenged forcing them to have to defend the opinion, so they see this as a means to abdicate any such responsibility.

I then conclude by asking (rhetorically as it turns out) how they expect others to respect an opinion they have so little confidence in they can't or won't defend it. They have no response. I see no point in kicking someone when they are down, and they very much are at this point, so it is over.

I do derive an evil joy from it. I doubt they will speak so carelessly in the future.

A couple of my own contributions no one has thus far mentioned.

'So' is not, in my opinion, a word to begin a sentence, most especially at the beginning of a topic or subject. Pointless, thus useless.

I'll end by expanding into the non-verbal area. I can't stand air quotes. I consider them the last bastion of tiny minds. If one wants to quote, state the quote and give proper attribution. If one does not have that information then don't try to fake it with air quotes.
 
Last edited:
SafeTFirst said:
“He died doing what he loved.”
Click to expand...

My brother uses that phrase when referring to the death of our then 94 year old father. He had a do not resuscitate wish and was deep in dementia. He choked to death eating a hot dog.
 
RetCapt said:
I had wanted to not duplicate any one else's contribution, and I almost did it.

Then along came rockquarry with "just sayin". Great submission rockquarry! Anytime I am in a group and hear someone use this term I interrupt and ask that person what they mean. This causes them to stumble to answer that question because they have never thought of it.

I let them go on for a couple of minutes while I savor their discomfort. Then I comment that it sounds as if they can't answer my question, so how about if I put forth my guess as to what they mean when they say it. Sensing relief, they always agree.

The trap is now set. I tell them I think they use the term to not be held accountable for whatever the opinion was that they expressed concluding with "just sayin". In other words they don't want their opinion challenged forcing them to have to defend the opinion, so they see this as a means to abdicate any such responsibility.

I then conclude by asking (rhetorically as it turns out) how they expect others to respect an opinion they have so little confidence in they can't or won't defend it. They have no response. I see no point in kicking someone when they are down, and they very much are at this point, so it is over.

I do derive an evil joy from it. I doubt they will speak so carelessly in the future.

A couple of my own contributions no one has thus far mentioned.

'So' is not, in my opinion, a word to begin a sentence, most especially at the beginning of a topic or subject. Pointless, thus useless.

I'll end by expanding into the non-verbal area. I can't stand air quotes. I consider them the last bastion of tiny minds. If one wants to quote, state the quote and give proper attribution. If one does not have that information then don't try to fake it with air quotes.
Click to expand...
I'll bet you're a lot of fun at parties ...
 
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