Researchers at Oxford University are obviously bored. While they could be working on eradicating world hunger or curing cancer, they are instead worrying about irritating phrases and have compiled their Top 10 list. Taken from a book entitled Damp Squid, they are (in order):
- At the end of the day
- Fairly unique
- I personally
- At this moment in time
- With all due respect
- Absolutely
- It’s a nightmare
- Shouldn’t of
- 24/7
- It’s not rocket science
Here are a few I offer from my own observations:
- To tell you the truth (why – do you usually lie?)
- Honestly (see message above)
- Like (when did this word become a staple in every sentence?)
- Literally
- You know?
Here’s my bleg to you – send in your comments with your most irritating phrases!
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I really hate, “six of one, half dozen of another.”
“Irregardless” and “I could care less” – they’re irritating because they’re incorrect; it drives me crazy when I hear people use them.