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The top ten most irritating phrases

A good lesson in phrases to avoid in your own presentations and writing.

The top ten most irritating phrases (compiled by Oxford University)

1 – At the end of the day

2 – Fairly unique

3 – I personally

4 – At this moment in time

5 – With all due respect

6 – Absolutely

7 – It’s a nightmare

8 – Shouldn’t of

9 – 24/7

10 – It’s not rocket science

It’s part of “30 Cliches You Should Basically Avoid” by Lifehacker, here

Your linguistic pet peeves?

About the author

Kim Klaver

11 Comments

  • I am totally annoyed by someone saying ‘To be honest….’
    and when i hear it, it makes me think they are, or have been, lying!

  • How about when you’re complaining about someone and end with, “I’m just sayin'”.

    Another one found in the south, “… bless her heart, she isn’t the sharpest one of the bunch.”

    Or “…he just can’t help that he’s no good at that, bless his heart.”

  • Aw, shucks. As soon as I finally get cool enough to start working some of these phrases into my conversations they are considered passe’!

  • It’s Stellar!

    JK! (just kidding!)

    That is FAT!

    I have teenagers and have become my and have done the dreaded – become my parents! Some of the verbiage is off the charts! I know, I know, we did the same thing. I try to remind myself that!

    EXPECT Success!

    Jackie Ulmer

  • Here’s one that bugs me: “For all intents and purpsoses.”

    What’s worse? When people say it wrong, as in, “For all intensive purposes.”

  • How about…”You know what I mean”? or…”You see what I’m saying”? The REAL question is: Do THEY know what they mean or what they’re saying?(big smile)

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