Overused Words - Let them go!

Recently, I attended a training session based on Tony Jeary’s book – Life is a series of presentations. A very interesting session it was. A small part of the session focused on buzzwords that we have become accustomed to using and the need to curb their usage. As you may have guessed, the lazybones argued that these buzzwords being widely used come in handy and can’t be completely done away with. Some, however, thought that we need to cut down on the usage of these words and gradually get into the mode of finding newer expressions on an ongoing basis. But, really, not many people want to think. It is easier to recycle other people’s thoughts, isn’t it?

The irritant that tops my list is the awfully overused, much knackered ‘Basically’. People think they sound well-informed, armed with the necessary ‘arsenal’ when they begin by saying - Well, basically what I wanted to say is... So basically, (grrrrr..) Give up, guys! It’s tired now. :)

The phrase that runs a close second is ‘You know what I mean’. It creates familiarity and context, does it not, without trying too hard, you know what I mean? Sometimes, people using this phrase themselves don’t know what they mean. Does it matter? Nah! Just use it.

And, then – ‘Got’ has got to go too. I wonder how it made it in the first place. Haven’t we heard instances of - I have got my car. Feel like asking - Errr do you want to say – I have my car? Let it go.

I bought myself new shoes. Awesome! I almost missed the flight. Awesome! I almost got killed. Almost.. right? Awesome!

By leveraging available skills, we ensure seamless integration of disparate units that ensure cost cutting and tremendous value add. Bah! I couldn't resist getting these gems in here.

Pray! Does the word ‘anyways’ figure in the dictionary? Why are we still using it?

The overuse of ‘bottom line’, ‘at the end of the day’, ‘win-win’, and ‘no issues’ may one day cause serious explosions all over the world.

I would love to never hear ‘I’m gonna’ and ‘Do you wanna’ again. I’m sure. Yes, I'm sure.

I can go on and on and on. Some of these words spread like contagious diseases and one day you wake up to realize the whole town is infected.

We’ll mourn the use of wonky English another time. :):)

Till then - Let this serve as a warning. People found saying – ‘I didn’t knew’, ‘I was not having…’, 'I was not knowing…’, and ‘I have a good news’ will be arrested immediately under section 'blah' for causing mental trauma.

Please add to the list. You'll save a few lives.