[Charles Martel]

One that bugs me — not a word but an expression — is the use of the adjective instead of the infinitive in the expression “It needs _______.” As in “It needs washed” or “It needs painted.”

No, it needs TO BE washed or it needs PAINTING. The verb “to need” is transitive; it requires an object. And an object, by definition, cannot be an adjective.

How’s that for grammar nazism?

Ja, ja... that is like a big, blinking "ERROR" warning when I see it, too. The Brits do something similar when they someone who has been injured is "In Hospital". I suppose, though, that it's their language to mangle however they see fit. ;-)

[IronJack]

The Brits also pluralize collective nouns. They say "The group WERE in agreement." "The committee recommend the course of action." We singularize those nouns, and the British practice grates on my ear.

Then there's the whole "laboUr" and "coloUr" thing ... But don't get me started.