Although I'm probably treading on previously-covered ground here, I'd like to hear what everyone has to say on the topic of cultural expressions that have worn out their welcome. In other words, what common expressions or phrases are so annoying and so trite as to warrant immediate expulsion to the lexicographic equivalent of Elba? I'll get us started:
1.) "24-7"; 2.) "Show me the money!"; 3.) "Like I care!"; and 4.) "As if!"
Oh, wow.... i say that *all* the time. somebody shoot me. i never even thought of it as annoying. i say "mmhmm" a lot too... wonder if that's just as bad?
okay, here's the ones that drive me orchids... er, nuts:
(1) You go girl¹ (2) Talk to the hand (this includes the gesture) (3) girlfriend. unless it's used specifically casually. there's a very fine line between saying "I went to lunch with a GF today" and "Hey GF, what's goin' on". the second one leaves a metallic taste in my mouth.
¹ this one, however, can be *extremely* effective in making a subtle point when said with a distinctly derisive tone and directed toward an unreasonable husband.
One I tend to use when people try to include me in something I don't want to do (and I know it gets on people's goats): "Who's this 'we', white man?"
The other one which I should probably stop using is "Excuse me, I think you're confusing me with someone who gives a sh__!" But the first time someone hears it, it's so effective ...
Ya' know, if you visit, ya know, the Merrimack Valley, area, of Massachusetts, ya know, you'll come away using ya know, nearly every other word, ya know. Whether, ya know, you're a kid or an adult, ya know! As for the, like, West Coast, it's, like, nearly, like, ya know, every other, like, word! But, like, out West it's, like, mostly younger folks, like, who use the word "Like," like, for everthing! My vote: "like" and "ya' know"
I'm not sure I have all of the details straight, but there used to be a way of using a candle (no ribaldry). The flame of the candle was held behind the egg, and the light shining through the egg would make a developing embryo visible.
Ya' know, if you visit, ya know, the Merrimack Valley, area, of Massachusetts, ya know, you'll come away using ya know, nearly every other word, ya know. Whether, ya know, you're a kid or an adult, ya know!
James Thurber wrote a very complaintative (is that even a word) essay, 50 or 60 years ago, on how everyone was saying 'you know' all the time. He was living in Massachusetts at the time, I believe.
The flame of the candle was held behind the egg, and the light shining through the egg would make a developing embryo visible
It is called, very sensibly, "candling." To candle eggs is a sure method and is used on some small farms that produce just enough eggs for the family and a few for sale. Best done in a darkened room. It's even in the OED as a second meaning.
1) Been there, done that, got the T-shirt 2) Talk to the fingernail, 'cause you ain't worthy to talk to the hand! (to which one may reply) 3) Talk to the dirt under the fingernail, 'cause you ain't worthy to talk to the fingernail!
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i say that *all* the time. somebody shoot me. i never even thought of it as annoying. i say "mmhmm" a lot too... wonder if that's just as bad?
