As a community of grown-ass writers who are constantly evolving, TueNighters will recognize the significance of word choice, including the use of inclusive language.
I’m all for ditching outdated, gendered terms like "ladies' room" and discouraging phrases like "man up" because it’s cringe-worthy that my son has heard it from OTHER adults his entire life.
It may take some unlearning but I’m up for the challenge.
I'm trying to walk the line and only use you guys with people I know are used to me and fine with it - established friends. Like you, Leslie! For me, it's a term of affection among buddies and I hate to give it up, though I get it!
There are so many internet-y phrases like that that drive me bananas. That said, I somehow used “today years old” the other day (in reference to learning that UB40’s “Red, Red Wine” was a cover of a Neil Diamond song 🤯) and felt myself die a little 😆😆
A really good one to eliminate. I also pause before using the phrase “shots” to refer to photos. Also a common journalistic term for photographer is “shooter” - in this day and age I imagine that’s impossible to use.
I am guilty of loving some of the old timey expressions even if they're really pretty awful (killing two birds, more than one way to skin a cat, etc). But I bristle with anger every single time I say thank you and receive "no problem" in reply. Yes, I think it's safe to assume that it's no ACTUAL problem for you to ring up my coffee. 😡
You and my 89-year-old Dad would definitely get along! He HATES when people say that — I think it's essentially a spin-off of "de nada" or "de rien" "it's nothing"
Our language is full of animus towards animals and I only really noticed recently. Now I can't unsee (unhear?) it and am appalled. Beating a dead horse. More than one way to skin a cat. Kill two birds with one stone. Can't swing a dead cat without ... They still fall out of my mouth (ugly habit), but I'm committed to carving them out of my lexicon. Humans are so weird.
How about 'cult product' for cosmetics that are not really under the radar, just maybe not available at Macy's. Or 'iconic' for people or things that are popular but not yet memorable in a long-time way.
A perfect example of how language can be co-opted and/or weaponized, which feels like the opposite of evolving out of a word or phrase because we realize its original meaning and intention has roots in meanness if not outright cruelty.
Plus: language, particularly catchphrases or idioms are (and should) always changing. They’re supposed to be reflective of culture and linguistic regionalism etc. - things that themselves change.
But, as the TT user shows, paying attention and learning the roots of all of these kinds of phrases and word uses, can help us shift our own vocabulary where and when needed, in addition to having a better idea of what it means when certain people may be using certain words/phrases.
Sorry to ramble. I’m just super fascinated by language, haha.
This is more of a general complaint about writing style than a specific phrase but I really hate the headlines that Slate uses. They all seem to subscribe to the school of declarative phrase, BUT ACTUALLY said declarative phrase SUCKS writing and I find it so irritating. Highly specific beef I do understand.
I’m a huge fan of classic WarnerBros cartoons and used to frequently say “what a maroooon” when describing someone who annoyed me. One day I thought “oh man I bet that’s actually really racist” and long story short, yup. Be suspicious of any classic WarnerBros quotes!
I like this thread. One topic - inclusivity. Love it. Another topic I'm hearing equally throughout: we're adults and get to drop the silly slang phrases that never were that great to begin with.
I was just writing about this! A few years ago I learned more about the Romani and stopped using the word gypsy to describe my life.
Being “gypped”
Grown ass. Sounds like high school
Fair point.
I’ve gotten better with not using “hey guys” - opt for “folks” or “all” or “everybody”
I’m from the Philadelphia area, and I am struggling to eliminate “you guys” from my vocabulary!!
I'm trying to walk the line and only use you guys with people I know are used to me and fine with it - established friends. Like you, Leslie! For me, it's a term of affection among buddies and I hate to give it up, though I get it!
Yes—exactly! It’s casual, among friends.
At least I shortened it from “youse guys”! 😂
from SoCal. Same.
I'd be very happy to never see or hear "said nobody ever" or "I was today years old" again
There are so many internet-y phrases like that that drive me bananas. That said, I somehow used “today years old” the other day (in reference to learning that UB40’s “Red, Red Wine” was a cover of a Neil Diamond song 🤯) and felt myself die a little 😆😆
I love that song!
YES, thank you. I second your motion.
I nominate “pull the trigger” for making a decision, especially when applied to shopping. Let’s not “pull the trigger” on a new shirt.
A really good one to eliminate. I also pause before using the phrase “shots” to refer to photos. Also a common journalistic term for photographer is “shooter” - in this day and age I imagine that’s impossible to use.
Get rid of "killing two birds with one stone"! So awful!
"Sorry, not sorry." and saying "You're welcome," congratulating yourself before anyone has said, thank you.
I am guilty of loving some of the old timey expressions even if they're really pretty awful (killing two birds, more than one way to skin a cat, etc). But I bristle with anger every single time I say thank you and receive "no problem" in reply. Yes, I think it's safe to assume that it's no ACTUAL problem for you to ring up my coffee. 😡
You and my 89-year-old Dad would definitely get along! He HATES when people say that — I think it's essentially a spin-off of "de nada" or "de rien" "it's nothing"
I love the French "je vous en prie." Doesn't really translate, I don't think? "I aim to please you"?
Our language is full of animus towards animals and I only really noticed recently. Now I can't unsee (unhear?) it and am appalled. Beating a dead horse. More than one way to skin a cat. Kill two birds with one stone. Can't swing a dead cat without ... They still fall out of my mouth (ugly habit), but I'm committed to carving them out of my lexicon. Humans are so weird.
“He’s such a dog”
Recently brought to my attention- don’t play Hangman. Play Snowman instead.
How about 'cult product' for cosmetics that are not really under the radar, just maybe not available at Macy's. Or 'iconic' for people or things that are popular but not yet memorable in a long-time way.
I would be happy never to see iconic used again
I still hear grown-ass* ADULTS use the word "retarded" to mean stupid. Do not do that. Just don't.
*I saw someone objected to this phrase, but I think it's particularly descriptive, even if my mother wouldn't approve. ;)
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsEYH5mr0Di/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
A perfect example of how language can be co-opted and/or weaponized, which feels like the opposite of evolving out of a word or phrase because we realize its original meaning and intention has roots in meanness if not outright cruelty.
Plus: language, particularly catchphrases or idioms are (and should) always changing. They’re supposed to be reflective of culture and linguistic regionalism etc. - things that themselves change.
But, as the TT user shows, paying attention and learning the roots of all of these kinds of phrases and word uses, can help us shift our own vocabulary where and when needed, in addition to having a better idea of what it means when certain people may be using certain words/phrases.
Sorry to ramble. I’m just super fascinated by language, haha.
This is more of a general complaint about writing style than a specific phrase but I really hate the headlines that Slate uses. They all seem to subscribe to the school of declarative phrase, BUT ACTUALLY said declarative phrase SUCKS writing and I find it so irritating. Highly specific beef I do understand.
I’m a huge fan of classic WarnerBros cartoons and used to frequently say “what a maroooon” when describing someone who annoyed me. One day I thought “oh man I bet that’s actually really racist” and long story short, yup. Be suspicious of any classic WarnerBros quotes!
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
I like this thread. One topic - inclusivity. Love it. Another topic I'm hearing equally throughout: we're adults and get to drop the silly slang phrases that never were that great to begin with.
Chinese menu. Why can't you just say menu or list ::eye roll::