| ruthannhogue: RT @RyanJVanSeters: If you can't beat the words from your brain nor quell the itch in your hand, you have little choice-write or stay sane. about 3 minutes ago |
| louiseorr: ... Got hit by an actual tractor. Words fail me. Would walk if I was in a rush, or more to the point if I could be arsed! about 3 minutes ago |
| jeffconnell: Tawsha (@Mybigdayplanner) and Colton are flying right now...hoping Colton's not practicing his words or screams too loudly. about 5 minutes ago |
![]() | Billy_Cox: Teams are built or destroyed by words and actions BC #teamwork #inthegame about 5 minutes ago |
![]() | TheWORSTcrammer: in the words of N*E*R*D, sooner or later, it all comes crashing down about 5 minutes ago |
![]() |
... and another one bites the dust. |
| By Michael Stodola Special to OnMilwaukee.com E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Michael Stodola |
| Published Oct. 24, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. |
|
In our American dialogue, words exist from every corner of the world -- some Yiddish, some Italian and many from our own popular culture. Some of these words get tossed in and become everyday lingo. Phrases like "What do you know?" and "It's cool" or "schmuck," have become a regular part of how we speak. Others have all the plastic charm of a one-hit wonder. I'm thinking "chillaxin" and "outside the box."
And some of these words and phrases have to go.
When it comes to our "cutting edge" colloquial voice, phrases tend to have a short shelf life. This usually happens with words plucked from rap music or hot rod culture. Favorites like "old school" or "kickin' it" arrive at our ears as street credible hotness -- until you read it as your mom's Facebook status. Just as when the "latest fashions" from New York City finally hit Kansas -- you know they're no longer fashionable.
I've started a list. The following are words I no longer hold within my vocabulary portfolio:
• Old school
• Outside the box
• It is what it is
• Kickin' it
• At the end of the day
• Coolio
• True Dat
• Chillaxin'
• That's what she said
• Keeping it real
• Whasuuuup
• Biatch
• Farm out
• Just sayin'
• Honey-Do-List
• Hubby
And, there's more added each day, my fizzles. (See? Another!)
An exception to this rule, of course, is to use them ironically. With plenty of sarcasm, you could say "That idea sure was outside the box, Roger ..." Using air quotes around the out-of-date word helps, as well. But beyond that, these words must die.
In fact, our agency has a list going here.
Check it out -- you'll also find words we want to bring back, as well as new words we wish to add. Feel free to add some yourself via comment. Later.
|
3 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Posted by sandstorm on Oct. 26, 2009 at 8:19 a.m. (report)
"What do you know"???? i don't think i've ever heard anybody say this. to anybody. anyway, interesting blog. i'll add- whatever sick or stupid to describe something good ("that touchdown catch was sick!") living the dream
| Rate this: |
Posted by littletinyfish on Oct. 25, 2009 at 3:28 p.m. (report)
Using the phrase "That's tits" when something is positive.
| Rate this: |
Posted by PepperGuy on Oct. 25, 2009 at 10:57 a.m. (report)
Bling
| Rate this: |
|
Nov. 03, 2009 Is it just me, or are the world's oldest people constantly dying? They reach about 115 ... |
|
Oct. 24, 2009 In our American dialogue, words exist from every corner of the world -- some Yiddish, ... |
|
Oct. 20, 2009 I'm at a company party eating little food when I run into a co-worker's husband. |
|
Oct. 14, 2009 Recently, I was asked about the subject of manners and our society at large. With the ... |
|
Oct. 11, 2009 The other night, Janet wondered aloud as to how many ex-girlfriends I had as Facebook ... |
| Top Clicks | Top Searches | Most Talkbacks |