Oxford University Acts on Horrid English

A view of part of Oxford University

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Wired.com reports today that a group of researchers at Oxford University has compiled a list of "The ten most irritating expressions in the English language."

The list is as follows:

1 - At the end of the day

2 - Fairly unique

3 - I personally

4 - At this moment in time

5 - With all due respect

6 - Absolutely

7 - It's a nightmare

8 - Shouldn't of

9 - 24/7

10 - It's not rocket science

Readers are invited to add their own choices in the comments section.  My contribution to this most satisfying project are as follows:

"Parenting", and even worse "birthing" - one bears children, one does not "birth" them.

"Gifted"(in the verbal sense): pathetic: What's the matter with "given"?

"Having said that" or "that said". Irritating.

"Chair" meaning "chairman"; "actor" meaning "actress"

Finally "innit" as in e.g. "I'm goin' dahn uh pub, innit". Horrible.

More have come to mind since I posted my comment:

"Going forward" e.g. "I should like you to take more responsibility going forward."  Rubbish.

"Negative growth"  Pathetic euphemism.

"To grow one's business"  Stupid.

"Logistics" - meaning transport; grossly affected and pretentious.

There'll probably be more...

Meanwhile how about a comment or two from some of you?  I am sure you have your own pet hates.

Until the next time.