Annoyed? Whatever.

December 16, 2010 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Writer's Life

Word comes from the Marist Poll the results of 2009’s most annoying words. On top of the list is the demeaning, smart ass word, whatever.

Funny how words evolve. Whatever used to be a word hardly worth notice, signaling indecision or a choice. Now it has a whole new mean connotation. Think of how it’s used: to blow someone off, to shrug off someone’s concerns or objections, or to get the last word in on an argument.

Other words in the top five include like, you know what I mean, to tell the truth, and actually. Like is another word that gets on my nerves. Since when does a word change its classification? Hard to avoid this one. It bespeaks ignorance and a certain slowness of wit.

The other words certainly deserve their place. I’d add physically as in “he has to physically be here.” Is there any other way to determine one’s presence? You know what I’m saying is another one that drives me nuts.

I used to work with a woman that used that phrase almost every other sentence. If I don’t get what you’re saying, I’ll ask. Here’s a hint. If your thoughts don’t sound reasonable to you, they won’t sound okay to anyone else despite your checking.

As a writer, it’s hard to dislike words. It’s even harder to speak harshly of them. To be fair, next time, I’ll post my own personal favorite words.

Tags: most annoying word, whatever