Our language is evolving. New words and phrases are admitted to the dictionary every few months. The August 2013 update of the Oxford Dictionary includes: hackerspace [a place in which people with an interest in computing or technology can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge]; double denim [a style of dress in which a denim jacket or shirt is worn with a pair of jeans or a denim skirt, often regarded as a breach of fashion etiquette] and twerking [and if you don’t know what that is, you’ve probably never heard of Miley Cyrus either].
I don’t have a problem with new words entering the language; it’s part of the growth of our culture. In my business studies days, we were told that a business that doesn’t grow will die. I guess it’s the same with a language: just ask the Romans.
I even get text speak. Although I’m probably one of the few people who put apostrophes into my texts, I have been known to describe something as gr8 on occasion and even know where the emoticons are found on my phone.
But there are a couple of linguistic habits that really annoy me — and, no, it’s not the use of the word ‘like’ in every possible phrase: that like so upsets me, there’s not like enough time to put all my thoughts down — so I’m going to leave that one to your own like imagination!
The first is the use of ‘no problem’ as an automatic response to any request. If I’m asking someone to do something really difficult and I’m not sure if it’s even possible, then ‘no problem’ would be a reasonable response (although a verb might be nice as well). Having a meal in a local restaurant recently, every request from a jug of water when we sat down to the bill at the end was greeted in that way. And I’m not going to mention the restaurant in question, since it’s by no means an isolated case. Somewhere in this country, is there a training company that teaches waiters, shop assistants and telesales operatives that ‘no problem’ is the appropriate response for all requests? Because if there is — I wish they’d stop!
The other phrase that sets my teeth on edge is ‘what was the name?’ I phone to check on progress with a delivery; I call at the box office to collect theatre tickets; I arrive at a restaurant where my every wish will prove to be ‘no problem’ and the first thing I’m asked is ‘what was the name?’. Please tell me I’m not the only person who is tempted to respond with ‘it was the same then as it is now’.
So, on this very wet Monday morning, join me in giving in to your inner grump: what words or phrases really set your teeth on edge?
Tina K Burton
Ha ha, oops I must confess to using 'no probs' at times!
I can't stand words like 'innit'. For a start the phrase should be 'isn't it', but they use it inappropriately and unfortunately I think it just makes the person saying it sound thick.
Madalyn Morgan
I hate hearing these bastardised words. When I lived in London they screeched uninvited into my ears when I travelled on local busses. Where I live now, I don't hear them at all. However, I still have friends who FB message, text and email using them. When that happens, I grit my teeth and reply in perfect English speech and grammar. Great post Kate. Thank you for letting me have a rant. x
Patsy
Anything said automatically such as 'have a nice day' or 'sorry to keep you waiting' which isn't meant.
Terry Tyler
Elizabeth, I am so with you on this I can't tell you! I also use apostrophes in texts, and semi-colons! Actually, rather than write all my pet hates about this sort of thing, I shall write a post of my own, and, of course, link to yours in it, as its inspiration! I really agree with Patsy about those platitudes – and with Madalyn about replying to text speak in perfect grammar, etc!
Yasminselena
There are certain words which literally make me seethe. Bitch when aimed at women, especially when used by guys, boogie – just sounds ugly, bubbly when describing someone's personality, makes me think of a vacuous, grinning airhead. If someone described as bubbly I might have to kill them lol! They're all horrific, the equivalent of nails down the blackboard. The over use of 'lovely', also renders the word meaningless, it's a beautiful word but I see it crop up too much in social media. Man, I sound like a right grumpus after all that! 🙂
David Hough
Unlike you, my teeth really do grate at the constant misuse of "like" especially when it comes from people who are otherwise intelligent human beings capable of speaking coherent English. The only thing that upsets me more is the written use of "your" when "you're" is the intended meaning.
Elizabeth Ducie
Tina, we all use that phrase at times, but usually in the right context – not every time someone asks something of us.
Elizabeth Ducie
You're welcome, Maddie. I think we've all enjoyed our rant today,
Elizabeth Ducie
True, Patsy, it's horribly insincere, isn't it. When the guard on the train apologies for any inconvenience caused – after we've been sitting, unmoving, outside Reading station for 17 minutes!
Elizabeth Ducie
Terry, thanks for carrying the theme forward and for referencing this post in yours.
Elizabeth Ducie
Yasminselena, I agree with you about 'lovely'. These days, it seems to be the only adjective teachers are allowed to use about a piece of work; I heard one child praised for 'lovely in improvement in her swimming' recently.
Elizabeth Ducie
J E Ryder, I know of one English academic (that's his subject, not his nationality) who always shouts back "It… enjoy it!" Enjoy on its own is meaningless – as well as irritating.
Elizabeth Ducie
David, I was watching a clip of a lecture by a Dutch guy who was therefore using English as his second language, and he used 'like' continually. Goodness knows where he picked it up from. It's not in any EFL course I've ever seen.