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'Whatever' tops most annoying word poll
news ^ | October 08,

Posted on 10/07/2009 2:46:25 PM PDT by JoeProBono

IF you want to be a great conversationalist, whatever you do don't use the word "whatever." It topped a US survey as the most annoying word.

The Marist telephone poll of 938 adults revealed it was more grating to many people than "anyway" and less tolerable than phrases such as "it is what it is" and "you know".

"The impetus of this poll was a casual conversation where we started discussing those words that get on your nerves," Marist media director Mary Azzoli said.

"You hear them over and over again."

Nearly 50 per cent of people questioned said "whatever" was the word that bothered them the most.

It was the most irritating word in all regions of the country, and among both sexes, all age groups, educational levels and income brackets.

"Also, when you think of the meaning behind it, it is often a way to dismiss someone," Ms Azzoli said.

"It is irritating in that regard. It is much more off-putting compared to any of the other statement we asked."

(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Education; Miscellaneous; Society; Word For The Day
KEYWORDS: 2009polls; language; napl; whatever
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To: Will88

I think it’s a tossup between “diversity” and “tolerance”. I’d take “whatever” and “like” if I never had to hear “diversity” or “tolerance” again.


81 posted on 10/07/2009 5:39:12 PM PDT by Fast Moving Angel (GOP: Stop listening, start doing -- we need new leaders!)
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To: cripplecreek

Yeah...like whatever.


82 posted on 10/07/2009 5:39:54 PM PDT by Osage Orange (A community organizer cannot bitch when communities organize..... - Rush Limbaugh)
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To: JoeProBono

I hate the word “poll” but I’m not aware of any surveys about that word.


83 posted on 10/07/2009 5:50:31 PM PDT by Larry Lucido (This tagline excerpted. To read more, click on MyOverratedBlog.com)
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To: Larry Lucido

84 posted on 10/07/2009 5:56:06 PM PDT by JoeProBono (A closed mouth gathers no feet)
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To: Fast Moving Angel
think it’s a tossup between “diversity” and “tolerance”.<>/i>

I agree that's a very close call. "Tolerance" is also a retch word of long standing, but for me "diversity" is still at the top of that list. "Inclusive" also deserves a mention.

85 posted on 10/07/2009 6:20:26 PM PDT by Will88
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To: Will88
"Sustainable."

Death is sustainable.

86 posted on 10/07/2009 6:22:27 PM PDT by Billthedrill
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To: Billthedrill
"No problem" never fails to bring on my homicidal tendencies, at least when it's used for "you're welcome."

No worries.

87 posted on 10/07/2009 6:24:24 PM PDT by SIDENET ("If that's your best, your best won't do." -Dee Snider)
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To: JoeProBono

whatever posessed you to bring this subject up? Like, I don’t have any thing better to do. Whatever.


88 posted on 10/07/2009 6:43:16 PM PDT by Redcitizen (Zartan for President 2012)
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To: JoeProBono

Ok, it isn’t one word, but “my bad” is the most annoying phrase.


89 posted on 10/07/2009 6:45:11 PM PDT by ican'tbelieveit (Join FreeRepublic's Folding@Home team (Team# 36120), KW:Folding)
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To: Redcitizen

“Sorry about that”


90 posted on 10/07/2009 6:46:00 PM PDT by JoeProBono (A closed mouth gathers no feet)
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To: JoeProBono

At the end of the day, whatever totally sux. You got a problem with that?


91 posted on 10/07/2009 6:46:26 PM PDT by Liberty Valance (Keep a simple manner for a happy life :o)
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To: Liberty Valance

‘teachable moment’


92 posted on 10/07/2009 6:48:17 PM PDT by Liberty Valance (Keep a simple manner for a happy life :o)
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To: Billthedrill
OKAY...I FINALLY found someone who is equally as pissed off as I am with the "no problem."

OK...while I am at it, lemme tell ya another thing that makes me want to kill: When a guy at a restaurant or a theatre or wherever says to me "Here, young man..." And I am over 55...I want to tear these guys limb from limb. I sez to them sez I: "Why did you say that? Are you making fun of the fact that I am NOT young anymore? What kind of fool are you?"

Bill...am I over reacting?

93 posted on 10/07/2009 6:51:36 PM PDT by Pharmboy (The Stone Age did not end because they ran out of stones...)
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To: JoeProBono
I am annoyed when I hear someone say they want to “give back”. Not that being charitable is a bad thing, I just know I am listening to a liberal when I hear that.

Another phrase that p*sses me off is “the last eight years”. that tells me all I need to know about that person.

Also I don’t like the word “planet” used in place of “Earth”.

Other than that “whatever” is sort of a good way to brush someone off without getting vulgar.

94 posted on 10/07/2009 6:59:35 PM PDT by Ditter
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To: Twink

I told you. Read the article. Whatever!


95 posted on 10/07/2009 7:12:02 PM PDT by 50mm (AARP is a steaming pile)
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To: Pharmboy

If they don’t have to call the coroner - you’re not overreacting. ;-)


96 posted on 10/07/2009 7:16:15 PM PDT by Billthedrill
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To: Mopp4
The most over-used word today has got to be “absolutely”

ABSOLUTELY!

97 posted on 10/07/2009 7:19:49 PM PDT by JRios1968 (The real first rule of Fight Club: don't invite Chuck Norris...EVER)
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To: JoeProBono
Photobucket
98 posted on 10/07/2009 7:25:38 PM PDT by JRios1968 (The real first rule of Fight Club: don't invite Chuck Norris...EVER)
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To: Billthedrill

“No problem ...”

Somehow I imagined this in Shrek’s voice and it was even funnier.


99 posted on 10/07/2009 7:27:18 PM PDT by Cloverfarm (Where are we going, and why are we in a hand-basket?)
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To: siamesecats
like, you know
like, you know
like, you know
I work with people that can’t form a sentence without using that phrase

You hit that nail on the head. Listen to any sports interview and the person being interviewed will use "you know" about 20 times during the interview.

Very annoying !

100 posted on 10/07/2009 7:28:59 PM PDT by Mopp4
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