Why don’t a lot of people think before they utter words that they can’t take back? It’s interesting how that works, isn’t it? Certain phrases just slip from the tongue that make me think differently about some people. Amazing that word choice (or in this case, a lack of choice) can have such a profound effect on how those people who use it are viewed, but it’s true. And as much as we like to say we don’t judge others, we inevitably do.
Here are the Top 5 Phrases I Hate…
5. “In a sec.” Variations of the phrase include “in a minute,” “in a second,” and “when I get around to it.” These phrases mean, “What you’re asking me or telling me isn’t important enough to put my full attention to, but when I feel it’s worthy I will let you know.” My daughter Lexi has taken to using and overusing the phrase, much to my chagrin. When told that there are no more “secs,” and she has to do what we asked right now, she asked what exactly “right now” meant. Oy.
4. “It wasn’t me.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t accuse someone of doing (or not doing) something unless I have some level of proof in my back pocket. So when I talk to someone and ask them why they did something, and they come back at me with “It wasn’t me,” I just want to reach into my back pocket and let them have it. “Yes, indeed, it was you, so why make it worse by arguing with me after the fact?”
3. “Do me a favor.” If you want me to do you a favor just ask me outright. Don’t phrase it like it’s a command. I don’t do well with commands or questions that don’t use at least some form of etiquette. Is it too much to ask for a “I know you’re busy but when you get a chance can you please do something for me?” Usually my answer will be yes, but I’m more likely to ignore you if you assume I’ll do something for you instead of assuming you should ask me nicely.
2. “I hate you.” Once this one is out there it’s just so devastating, like a wrecking ball (sorry Miley, I just stole your thunder). Seriously, though, this one gets so overused it’s ridiculous, when what we really mean is “I really can’t stand what you just did, but eventually I’ll be cool with you again so don’t hold this standoffish nature of the moment against me in the end.” This is especially pungent when we unleash it on people who love us, and who we love, but we’re just too blind right then to see it clearly.
1. Any phrase that uses the F word merely for effect. Generally I don’t mind the F word in the course of normal conversation, but when someone uses it as a placeholder, or uses it more than one time in a sentence as multiple parts of speech, it just makes them sound ignorant.
Sam
Sam's Online Journal 