Do you ever have conversations where someone used a specific word or phrase that just rubs you the wrong way? I do, like “calm down” and “you’re overreacting” or “you’re being too sensitive” especially when used in the same sentence.
It’s right up there with calling me “sweetheart” or “dear” (unless you’re my husband) and reciting positive quotes about hard situations (nope, still feel shitty, but thanks). I mean, there are less toxic options: “I understand you’re upset, tell me what you need, how can I help” not to mention calling me by my actual name, right?
Let’s tawk, TueNighters — are there any words or phrases that get under your skin and what are better ways of saying them?
"It is what it is". Usually this is a copout for not dealing with a specific incident, or trying to imagine solutions. There isn't a replacement phrase, but a different way to address someone who uses this. "What can we do to fix that?" etc. Response depends on the size of the problem.
I'm not fond of the phrase de jour, no matter what it is: "I know, right?" or the one I hear all the time now, when someone agrees with me, "One-hundred percent!" or "At the end of the day, ... ." These are all lazy ways of expressing attitudes, short-hand, if you will. But it begins to feel trite and thoughtless. Solution? Try not to speak in cliche, or write in it either.
I don’t know why, because I know it’s well-intended and also good advice, but I see red when someone tells me, “breathe.” Lady, that is the one thing I’ve not forgotten to do. Tell me something I can use.
Not as spoken in conversation but in written articles: 'iconic' and 'cult'. Most times, the item in question is neither! Not everything is iconic! And Biologique Recherche's P50 (for example) is no longer cult because so many articles have been written about it, and so many celebs have mentioned it. You can buy it online!
Find other words! I have no suggestions beyond: famous/infamous, old school, 'Hollywood History', for iconic and celeb/beauty editor favorite, IYKYK, for cult.
My kids hate "take a deep breath" because they do the exact opposite when we say it! I get annoyed with "There's nothing we can do. We just have to live with it."
Overuse of "just," as in "I just wanted to ask," etc.
Also, I live in the Bible Belt and "god won't give you anything you can't handle" and phrases like it create in me a visceral reaction that borders on violence...
I strongly dislike being called a girl in any professional setting. And, if one more person says, "it is what it is" to me, well, I'm going to have to turn and walk away.
All of that !!!! And “ladies” to a group of “women” that may not all identify as women or not also makes me nuts.
"It is what it is". Usually this is a copout for not dealing with a specific incident, or trying to imagine solutions. There isn't a replacement phrase, but a different way to address someone who uses this. "What can we do to fix that?" etc. Response depends on the size of the problem.
I'm not fond of the phrase de jour, no matter what it is: "I know, right?" or the one I hear all the time now, when someone agrees with me, "One-hundred percent!" or "At the end of the day, ... ." These are all lazy ways of expressing attitudes, short-hand, if you will. But it begins to feel trite and thoughtless. Solution? Try not to speak in cliche, or write in it either.
“Gender reveal party”. I don’t have a suggestion for a better term. How about we just stop having them?
I don’t know why, because I know it’s well-intended and also good advice, but I see red when someone tells me, “breathe.” Lady, that is the one thing I’ve not forgotten to do. Tell me something I can use.
“Everyone tries to do their best”. No, actually they don’t. There are a few that do, but certainly does not apply to “everyone”.
Not as spoken in conversation but in written articles: 'iconic' and 'cult'. Most times, the item in question is neither! Not everything is iconic! And Biologique Recherche's P50 (for example) is no longer cult because so many articles have been written about it, and so many celebs have mentioned it. You can buy it online!
Find other words! I have no suggestions beyond: famous/infamous, old school, 'Hollywood History', for iconic and celeb/beauty editor favorite, IYKYK, for cult.
"Coeds" as a noun referring to female but not male college students.
My kids hate "take a deep breath" because they do the exact opposite when we say it! I get annoyed with "There's nothing we can do. We just have to live with it."
Overuse of "just," as in "I just wanted to ask," etc.
Also, I live in the Bible Belt and "god won't give you anything you can't handle" and phrases like it create in me a visceral reaction that borders on violence...
I strongly dislike being called a girl in any professional setting. And, if one more person says, "it is what it is" to me, well, I'm going to have to turn and walk away.