Hey, the internet, are you noticing certain phrases getting used a lot? Some of these I think are humorous. Others annoying. So without further ado, here are my nominees for 2009 overused expressions. Best of all: this year -
everyone's a winner!
- At the top of the list, the incredulous "Really? Really?" As in, "you're telling me that my favorite expressions are lame? Really?" Really.
- In the number two spot, the overuse of the phrase "literally." As in, "this work is literally groundbreaking." Are you actually breaking the ground, like with a shovel? No? Ok, let's move on.
- Using myself/yourself as a synonym for me/you. As in, "there are three parties in this conference, including yourself." Not only does it sound pretentious, it brings the added frustration of being grammatically incorrect. Use myself (the reflexive) when you're both the subject and the object of the sentence. As in, "If I had the chance, I'd ask the world to dance and I'll be dancing with myself." More on that here.
- The term organic when not used in chemistry or USDA-certified products (soap, food, shampoo). As in way too many to mention.
- Hella. You might not think it's common. But talk to someone under the age of 20. You'll find that hella is alive and well(a).
- Lists in facebook that start with 25. If you're on facebook, then you know what I mean. If you're not, then consider yourself spared. Granted, this list of 25 is not exactly an expression. But I'll still include it on the naughty list. Oh and by the way, you know who else feels this way? Time.
- "_____ we can believe in." In 2008 our now-president used it to great effect. Now, it's such a cliche. Like the expression, "it's such a cliche."
- "I'm over (it)." Or "I am so over it." As in "I am so over Kanye." Hey, you're over it? Guess what? So am I. Forever.
Ok! That's it(?) What do you think, dear blog reader? Did I leave any out? I'm sure there are more. Any you're not ready to give up yet? Drop a comment!
On a personal note, I admit to using cliches, just different ones. Like the high five. Or using the word sweet, which made a prominent list of cliches -
in 2007. But what can I say - awesome is still awesome in my book. It works for me. Whatever's clever. So don't throw me under the bus. Seriously. Ok, I'll stop.
And lastly, I want to say congratulations on ending the expression fo shizzle, my n*zzle. Glad to see that's over. I mean. Fo' shizzle?
Really? Really?
