A few phrases, like "that one" and "lipstick on a pig," achieved instant notoriety in the current election season after one of the candidates said them once and everybody pounced. But others seem to come up again and again just because somebody can't stop himself or herself or themselves.
Here's a short list of words and phrases of this latter kind. I, for one, would be grateful not to hear or read any of these again until 2009, or 2012 -- or ever:
a heartbeat away
hockey mom
my friends
maverick
Wall Street vs. Main Street
what he doesn't understand
the most important election in history
« October Word Fugitive | Main | Off to Oxford » Never would be soon enough09 Oct 2008 01:38 pm Comments (21)
Please add "Game Changer" to that list. I am so sick to death of that phrase, whenever I hear it used, I die a little on the inside. 
I really hate any reference to Main Street. Other bad ones "throw under the bus" and "drank the kool aid".
Thank you, Joel, and thanks for the additions. Good ones! And Rockville Liberal, good on you for "game changer." That one wasn't even on my, um, radar screen.
More to bury --
And how about: Moosburgers Although I rather like this one: Georgetown cocktail party conservatives
The following need some serious breaks: abhor
seal the deal
The next time I hear someone use the M word I swear I may not be able to help myself....
I concur. I am so tired of these played out buzzwords that are consistently used by pundits, news media, and the candidates. I can add some more: hard working Americans
Rockville beat me to "game changer." Also, this one mercifully faded out after the primaries, but "vetting." I know I was thinking of another one recently, but it's slipped my mind. Have fun in England!
"fundamental difference" I hate this almost as much as the Wall Street/Main Street thing. Why do they keep saying this? And why do they say it so slow in the debates? "That's a funnn-da-menntal difference between myself and ___." Criminy.
And please, let no one come together and sing "Kumbaya" ever again.
Here is another word that is highly abused: "elitist" It's about time we all get a break from its use.
PIVOT!
"Know hope"
Despite my fondness for the OED, and for distinct and clear language, I believe we could all use a break from complaining about each other's use of words. Although, in all honesty, it doesn't really do much harm. On a scale of 1-10 measuring our national proclivity for constantly proving that we still identify with our tribes more than with our nation or our species, this sort of thing is probably no higher than a 2.5. Nonetheless, it is jarring from people I am otherwise inclined to admire. It is similar to Andrew Sullivan's recent confidence that Tim Robbins made him want to "vomit". On some level, I really do not care to hear it. On the other hand, nobody makes me read this stuff. Have fun!
How about... Tough Times I don't need to be told this every five minutes.
Can we please retire "blood and treasure"?
"That one." Put these all together and you have a better poem than most of the ones that get published these days.
I'd propose expanding T.S. KIA's "experience" to "executive experience." Also, I'd add "battleground states" to the list.
|
Subscribe to Barbara Wallraff by Email Today's Headlines From The Atlantic |
Copyright © 2009 by The Atlantic Monthly Group. All rights reserved.
Can we throw in:
Washington outsider
drill, baby, drill!
pals around
...?
Welcome to the blogroll, Barbara.
Posted by Joel | October 9, 2008 2:13 PM