With all due respect, it's time to strike these insincere and annoying phrases from your lexicon. Thanks in advance!
The 10 Most Annoying Phrases in the English Language
Thanks in advance
This demeaning corporate phrase, often accompanying some unwanted assignment or request, is the polite corporate way of saying, “You’d better do this terrible thing or I’ll eat your paycheck.”
What to say instead: A “thanks” or “thanks for the help” will suffice. Or you can cut to the chase with “I know you don’t want to do this, but c’est la vie.”
It is what it is
This annoying phrase is a longer (and more desperate) version of “whatever” and a shorter version of “I have nothing helpful to contribute, but don’t want to stop talking yet.” Weakest. Advice. Ever.
What to say instead: Memorize this clever T.S. Eliot line: “If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?”
At the end of the day
This perspective-seeking cliché sounds even worse than its cousins “all in all” and “when push comes to shove,” particularly because it’s used at all hours of the day.
What to say instead: Say “ultimately,” and you’ll sound more like a classy Bond villain instead of a 19th-century factory worker.
With all due respect
Almost always coupled with an insult or unsolicited advice, this phrase is a smarmier way to say, “Prepare to be disrespected.” Examples include: “With all due respect, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”
What to say instead: Eliminate the preamble. If you’re going to say something that others might find offensive, just say it or keep quiet.
At this moment in time
“I deserve a raise,” you say. “The company isn’t awarding pay increases at this moment in time,” the boss replies. What an oddly philosophical way to murder someone’s dreams. It reminds us of that old business koan: “What is the sound of one redundant employee crying?”
What to say instead: Be honest. Rip off that bandage in one swift motion: “I’m sorry, but that is never going to happen.”
Just sayin’
How illuminating. Thank you for clarifying that the thing you just said is a thing you are saying.
What to say instead: Show an ounce of empathy and ask, “Do you understand what I’m trying to say?” or “Does that make sense?”
I, personally
As opposed to “I, collectively?” Your redundant adverb just stole an extra second of life from everyone in the room. How do you, personally, feel about that?
What to say instead: Just say “I” or wear a T-shirt that reads “Disclaimer: The views expressed by this doofus do not reflect the views of society at large.”
YOLO
“You only live once” is mostly an excuse for doing something selfish, irresponsible or dumb, but the act itself should be transgression enough. Don’t punish your friends with this insufferable acronym on top of it.
What to say instead: Before you speak or act a fool, remember: YODO too. And if you must mark the event with a pithy phrase, go with carpe diem. It’s a classic for a reason.
Totes
Totes is the shortened version of totally, another equally annoying phrase in its own right. But totes takes it to another extreme and makes you sound immature, sliding text message speak into your everyday language.
What to say instead: Unless you’re starring in a Clueless reboot, erase this one from your lexicon immediately. Completely and definitely will get the job done, depending on context.
I know, right?
Here’s one of those annoying phrases that’s a catchall answer for everything from “It’s so hot out today” (“I know, right?!”) to “I’m so happy that meeting went well” (“I know, right?!”). Of course, the other person knows. They said it to begin with.
What to say instead: Try following up with some meaningful conversation instead of this bland, blanket statement that makes you sound like a teenager.
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Originally Published in Reader's Digest
