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I’m all for ditching outdated, gendered terms like "ladies' room" and discouraging phrases like "man up" because it’s cringe-worthy that my son has heard it from OTHER adults his entire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.
May 11, 2023Liked by Margit Detweiler, Liz Thompson
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. 😡
May 11, 2023Liked by Margit Detweiler, Liz Thompson
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.
May 11, 2023Liked by Margit Detweiler, Liz Thompson
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.
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.
Grown ass. Sounds like high school
I’ve gotten better with not using “hey guys” - opt for “folks” or “all” or “everybody”
I'd be very happy to never see or hear "said nobody ever" or "I was today years old" again
I nominate “pull the trigger” for making a decision, especially when applied to shopping. Let’s not “pull the trigger” on a new shirt.
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. 😡
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.
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 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==
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::