Expressions that Are Way Overused

I know that there are people who lack the unique qualities it takes to keep the language interesting. I actually think that if everyone had those qualities, none of us would know what anyone is trying to say. But, you have to admit that some phrases should be retired. They have been used way too many times.

I'm Just Saying

I watch news bites written by some really clever journalists who have a knack for pointing out something that the rest of us may have missed. It's good. It's healthy. But then, they back off and say, "I'm just saying." I know you're just saying. You just said it. Don't go all spineless on me like you're not trying to stir up the drama. You did a great job at pointing out an issue. Now, you want to slink back into your safe haven and hope that you don't catch a ton of crap.

You Know What I Mean

I can't believe how many times this one is used in every day speech. I think it's very courteous to make sure that someone is following what you're saying when you are in a classroom. But, when you ask the question, "You know what I mean?" ten times during your conversation without caring at all if the person you are talking to actually does understand what you mean, then you are using this phrase way too much. Keeping your speech unique and interesting means staying away from things that have lost their meaning.

Epic Proportions

This is one of those pet peeves of mine. It comes from my extreme category. Not all things are "great." Not everything your friend is saying is "exactly" what you were thinking. And not every situation is taking on a level of "epic proportions." One thing about keeping the language vibrant is by putting things in their proper proportions.

Bling

The last time I heard "Bling" said and I could still somewhat appreciate it was when Mark Wahlberg used it on the set of Rock Star and that was back in 2001. It was almost worn out then and it's way worn out now. A lady on QVC said it the other day. It has gone from a Gangsta euphemism to a cute word sales ladies on QVC use. When a word goes from Gangsta to cute, you know it's way overrated.

Gangsta

And speaking of which, "Gangsta" is another word that way too many people are using. Not everything is Gangsta. This word actually falls within that extreme category as well. When a college kid refers to his car as "So Gangsta," you have to wonder if the word has lost its meaning too. Tough guys in gangs of New York and California have the word "Gangsta" tattooed on their chest because it's a way of life to them and the word is being used to describe a pair of pants at Old Navy.

I could go on for days because I hear overused expressions all the time. But, everyone has their own set of pet peeves. These were just a few of mine.