Annoying words, and Words You Hate

[RedDwarf]

I too hate "moist". Dunno why, just sounds awful. Also, most words applying to cosmetics (lotion, cream, powder, balm, salve, mascara, etc) and also body parts (tongue, skin, stomach, mouth, lips, throat, etc). Oh, and I hate "lengthy".

[Kabann]

How are either metrics or blogosphere corporate buzzwords?

In the last two companies for which I've worked, management has tended to substitute the word metrics whenever they're asking for reports or measurements. So I associate that word with the corporate culture. It could just be a personal perception. Blog and blogsphere are just extra words I couldn't help but complain about, twitch twitch.

[Brooks]

In the last two companies for which I've worked, management has tended to substitute the word metrics whenever they're asking for reports or measurements.

Ah, that is annoying. Metrics is a fine word, in the business context, when it's used to mean "standards by which we will measure things." Referring to actual measurements as metrics is like saying you'd like a volume of sugar in your coffee or have to drive a distance to your next meeting. Abstraction problems always hurt.

[Nimz]

In the last two companies for which I've worked, management has tended to substitute the word metrics whenever they're asking for reports or measurements.

Ah, that is annoying. Metrics is a fine word, in the business context, when it's used to mean "standards by which we will measure things." Referring to actual measurements as metrics is like saying you'd like a volume of sugar in your coffee or have to drive a distance to your next meeting. Abstraction problems always hurt.

... but I wanted a mass of sugar in my coffee! I agree that using metrics in that way is a poor word choice. I've seen the "business meaning" of metrics in scholastic contexts, too - 'use these metrics as a rubric for grading this essay.' Gah!

There's always 'blag' as an alternative to 'blog'

Also, I hate all variations of e-mail aside from that one. Unless it begins the sentence or is in an all-caps context, the e must be lowercase. The e isn't smunched up against mail, nor is there a space betwixt them; a hyphen separates them. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[zomgmouse]

Blasé. Don't ask me why. I'm not actually sure myself. I just have some odd hatred towards it.

[Number3Pencils]

Chagrin. Rrrrrrrrr [Edit: also stymie. VIOLENT HATRED]

Also, I hate all variations of e-mail aside from that one. Unless it begins the sentence or is in an all-caps context, the e must be lowercase. The e isn't smunched up against mail, nor is there a space betwixt them; a hyphen separates them. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I think these things get whittled down as a result of so many lazy people using the Inter-net.

[Drone731]

i'm also female and not a fan of the word moist. i'd never really known another person who hated that word as much as i did until a friend from college mentioned that it made her want to gag. i'd love to learn more about why women hate that word so much.

Mmm, I've definitely heard of men who don't like the word, too. I've also heard of people who love it, but that's probably because they feel it's about the dirtiest word in the English language.

Huh, I'd have to say the dirtiest word in the English language award definitely goes to slather, which is much more disgusting in my eyes. That said, I hate neither of them.

I loathe the word quixotic though, as well as Betelgeuse, if that counts, since I always have to remind myself of how to pronounce it. Sort of like epitome, but more annoying because it's seen less often, so it's less rehearsed and whatnot.

Also, I don't really hate the word nonplussed, but I hate the fact that no one I know can EVER use it correctly, seriously.

[Nimz]

i'm also female and not a fan of the word moist. i'd never really known another person who hated that word as much as i did until a friend from college mentioned that it made her want to gag. i'd love to learn more about why women hate that word so much.

Mmm, I've definitely heard of men who don't like the word, too. I've also heard of people who love it, but that's probably because they feel it's about the dirtiest word in the English language.

Huh, I'd have to say the dirtiest word in the English language award definitely goes to slather, which is much more disgusting in my eyes. That said, I hate neither of them.

I loathe the word quixotic though, as well as Betelgeuse, if that counts, since I always have to remind myself of how to pronounce it. Sort of like epitome, but more annoying because it's seen less often, so it's less rehearsed and whatnot.

Also, I don't really hate the word nonplussed, but I hate the fact that no one I know can EVER use it correctly, seriously.

I don't really get what the big deal is with moist. Before reading this thread I never even imagined there could be an emotional reaction to the mere word, be it good or bad. As for Orion's armpit (shoulder, according to relatively modern wusses), I don't have any problem with its name. The possibility that it could go supernova within our lifetimes is pretty cool, though. I mean, it isn't that often we get supernovas from stars that close (about 400 ly, iirc).

I read The Far Side a lot when I was growing up, and epitome shows up frequently. E.g. the epitome of evil amongst butterfly collectors. When I read those epitomes, I invariably pronounced them epi-tome (epi like episode, and tome like a large book). That's [ɛpə.tom] for you IPA folks. On my more stubborn days I still refuse to believe its proper pronunciation can be anything other, even though I know better.

[litework]

Apparently some people have trouble with "moist". I think it's a funny word.

I had a good laugh reading that article. I guess I'm not so big on 'moist,' either, but 'panties' is FAR worse... as are 'pus,' 'bowels,' and 'intimate.' arrrrggggggghhhhh

I don't like 'blasé,' either, for some reason...

[genewitch]

Are we speaking "normal, clean words"? i don't like origin, i suppose.

I hate the words "penis" and "vagina" in any context other than medical, as well. I prefer the slang terms in almost every single conversation. i'm beginning to have an aversion to all southern pronunciations of words, these days, too.

i can't really get bent on words. i was trying to think of words that initiated a gag reflex, but all that came forth was words that represented ideas or actions, and i don't believe that's what you're speaking of. For example: "mung." Mung is a nasty word, it gets caught in your mouth (no pun intended) and the noodles that carry the name make me want to gag.

i guess that's all i have for now, and i feel sick.

[Eruantale]

Snivel
Doughty
Whacked-out
"unscientifical" ...that makes me laugh, but ick.
Apothem <--the worst of all!

[armorsmith42]

The phrase "to make out"

This seems so idiomatic and non-understandable from its constituent words.
There should be one word for it. And "to snog" is just malphonic.

I propose we start using "to osculate" more. It comes from Latin, and as an added bonus, it has a mathematical meaning as well.

I don't think it is transitive.

[__Kit]

"moist"

QFT I know two people who hate words, and both of them hate moist (they don't know each other)

Nothing comes to mind, but there are definately Names I hate 'Conrad' - puh-lease.

[mrbaggins]

Wait, epitome ISN'T EPIsode and TOME?

I'm being serious here.... how is it supposed to sound?

Moist doesn't bother me at all... although I know a few people it does bother.

[parallax]

Wait, epitome ISN'T EPIsode and TOME?

I'm being serious here.... how is it supposed to sound?

Moist doesn't bother me at all... although I know a few people it does bother.

eh - pit - oh - mee

Stress on the bold syllable.

[saoirse]

Wait, epitome ISN'T EPIsode and TOME?

I'm being serious here.... how is it supposed to sound?

Moist doesn't bother me at all... although I know a few people it does bother.

eh - pit - oh - mee

Stress on the bold syllable.

And the word has suddenly tripled in prettiness. Sorry; I guess I disagree on this one.

I have, however, always found the word "giggle" to be quite ugly.

[mud]

panties, i don't like it much, but that's mostly cause i don't use it. and it's kinda creepy.

but one word i just hate (for no rational reason whatsoever, i think it's just the way the word -is-) is lesbian. just hate it.

[4=5]

panties, i don't like it much, but that's mostly cause i don't use it. and it's kinda creepy.

but one word i just hate (for no rational reason whatsoever, i think it's just the way the word -is-) is lesbian. just hate it.

I'm very sorry for you

[Eschatokyrios]

I can't help but think that the seemingly-common aversion on the part of women to "moist" and "panties" is a symptom of how our culture treats (or at least, has historically treated) female sexuality as something shameful or dirty. That seems like an obvious conclusion, to me anyway.

Personally, "moist" doesn't do anything for me one way or the other, although do have a general fondness for the /oj/ diphthong. "Panties" has very positive semantic connotations for me (:D), but it's too much like an 'average' English word for me to find it particularly beautiful.

[evilbeanfiend]

Really? Is that what it's supposed to mean? I always thought (never having looked it up or anything) that it meant dull or boring or nyurrrr.

Maybe that just makes your point even more.

i think it is nearly always used sarcastically nowadays, hence your confusion.

i'll nominate nowadays as a terrible word. also worm, we should clearly bring back wyrm

[Sour Apple]

Not so much hate for the word itself as much as its misuse: Literally.

People use literally when they, if fact, mean the opposite.

Just what I was thinking. Good thing I searched the thread.

Also, awkward, used by pompous asses the world over when they can't think of anything else to say.

[Cricket]

Decadent and sinful, because they remind me of those terrible chocolate commercials aimed at middle-aged housewives that are trying to convince you that youre being naughty and daring for sneaking a few chocolates in a time of trendy organic diets. Shhh! Don't tell anyone!

[steewi]

Commitment *snickers*

I think moist is quite nice. But then, I'm a bit of a sicko.

[Cloudchaser]

I don't like "earth." Our home, the jewel of the solar system, the only place that we know for sure that life exists in the universe, and we call it "urth?"

Latin's "Terra" is far sexier.

[weel]

I really don't like "secular", especially when at church they talk about a band playing "secular rock". Thats everything other than Christian (or other religious) rock. That's classifying entire genre's into one classification. I just don't like it.
Other than that, most of the business jargon ending with "-ize".

[Ian Ex Machina]

Random.
Mainly because it is so overused by the masses and doesn't fit with what they mean.
They say "wow that is random" when what they means is "wow a particular word or phrase judged by you to impress upon me on how KER-AZY you are, I also should die now."

[lindenosk]

I can't stand the word "Hey" as a greeting. Seeing as most of you would say this quite often this may surprise you, but in Melbourne it wasn't said 'til about 6 years ago. In my opinion it is the most annoying way American English has influenced my mother dialect. (Melbourne is in Australia in case anyone reading is unfamiliar with it).

[HMC]

The word 'random' is pretty horrible.

Also, 'belly' is pretty gross.

[Koriina]

Since "cheese" became a mainstream "random" word, it grates on my ears when anyone who's not making food says it. Even saying we need it from the store hurts.

[saoirse]

Since "cheese" became a mainstream "random" word, it grates on my ears when anyone who's not making food says it. Even saying we need it from the store hurts.

Ugh, yeah. I hate the supposed humour gained from screaming "cheese", and thnoe like. "Cheese" is the worst, but I find that when "nose" is used in the same way, it just ruins faces for me.

[Otis]

Epic
Win
Awesome
Internets

The first three are all great words. I'm just sick of people misusing them. Something cannot be made up of epic, win, or awesome. They are adjectives not nouns and I automatically assume you're a 12 year old boy who should not be allowed near a computer.

As for the word "internets". First of all, that's not even a word. There is only one internet. Secondly, even if there were more than one, it wouldn't be possible to win one of them. They would not be given away as a prize for making a clever comment in a forum.

[gruckiii]

I hate words that are pronunciations of acronyms.
Normally we don't pronounce acronyms except when they correspond to a real word. Instead we spell out the letters. Computer Scientists did not get the memo.

ex.
SQL is not a pronounceable real word. It stands for Structured Query Language. Somehow this is supposed to be pronounced as if it were spelled "Sequel".
In technical circles, I get corrected for spelling out the letters for this acronym - which is deemed wrong. Even worse in a technical interview, miss-pronouncing something can easily lead to a no-hire as you get no credit for your experience with the technology you mis-pronounced :p. We are such snobs.

I hate abbreviations, with pronunciations that differ from the word they abbreviate. That is not normal right? Actually wait! You are just supposed to pronounce the full word it abbreviates! Again computer scientists, you have failed my sense of proper grammar.
char This stands for character. I hear people pronounce this as char as in charbroiled or charred embers. Shouldn't it at least be pronounced like the beginning of the word it represents? when we use int's for integers we pronounce it the same....

[tetromino]

SQL is not a pronounceable real word. It stands for Structured Query Language. Somehow this is supposed to be pronounced as if it were spelled "Sequel".

The language used to be called Sequel. Structured Query Language is simply a backronym that IBM suits invented to avoid a lawsuit from some company that had trademarked the word "sequel". Every time you say "ess queue ell", God feeds a kitten to a corporate lawyer.

I hear people pronounce this as char as in charbroiled or charred embers. Shouldn't it at least be pronounced like the beginning of the word it represents?

Not if it would cause massive confusion. You see, in computer science context, when you say "kar", you mean car.

[Poochy]

I can't stand it when a word is repeatedly substituted for another word just because it's longer and makes you look smarter. Like "utilize" instead of "use". If you know of a more elegant way to put something, use it! Eschew obfuscation. (Yes, I'm doing that just to be ironic.)

I also dislike "secular" like weel said. These days, it seems to be used (at least in the US) as a derogative for anything non-Christian, and I feel like the use of the word has come to carry a certain holier-than-thou connotation.

[gmalivuk]

I hate words that are pronunciations of acronyms.
Normally we don't pronounce acronyms except when they correspond to a real word. Instead we spell out the letters. Computer Scientists did not get the memo.

Neither, apparently, did anyone who has ever talked about lasers or masers or radar or scuba gear/diving or the Navy SEALS or a SWAT team or...

In other words, the list goes on, for quite awhile. I'd say that pretty much any acronym longer than 3 letters that has enough vowels to be pronounced, gets pronounced as a word. Three-letter acronyms are sometimes pronounced as words, sometimes as letters. Two-letter acronyms are pretty much always pronounced as letters.

[Fat Tony]

The two worst and ugliest word in the English/American language:
2. Potty
1. My legal first name which I choose not to reveal here.

[Cryopyre]

"Utilize" There's not a single case where "utilize" can't be switched out with "use." I can see "utilize" being used in a sentence where "Use" has been... used to much, like this one, but when "utilize" is... implemented on its own, it just seems a waste of word choice.

[Fat Tony]

Annoying words, and Words You Hate

This isn't really a word, but it does annoy me when people put commas in the wrong places and capitalize the wrong letters.

[Lumpy]

Any word invented to make fun of mainstream stupidity as an exaggeration that itself becomes adopted by the people they parody, at first so that they're in on the "joke" and then it just becomes a substitute for the original word, like "lulz."

[gmalivuk]

There's not a single case where "utilize" can't be switched out with "use." I can see "utilize" being used in a sentence where "Use" has been... used to much, like this one.

Um, didn't you just contradict yourself there?