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 ...
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.
Yeah...like whatever.
I hate the word “poll” but I’m not aware of any surveys about that word.
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.
Death is sustainable.
No worries.
whatever posessed you to bring this subject up? Like, I don’t have any thing better to do. Whatever.
Ok, it isn’t one word, but “my bad” is the most annoying phrase.
“Sorry about that”
At the end of the day, whatever totally sux. You got a problem with that?
‘teachable moment’
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?
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.
I told you. Read the article. Whatever!
If they don’t have to call the coroner - you’re not overreacting. ;-)
ABSOLUTELY!
“No problem ...”
Somehow I imagined this in Shrek’s voice and it was even funnier.
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 !
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