Like many of you, there are many things which cause my neck muscles to spasm and my right eye to develop a rapid tick (ok, maybe you just get gooseflesh). A good deal of these irksome things are words and phrases which for some known or unknown reason, drive me bananas (and not in a good way). I thought it would be a good idea to share some with you every once in a while. Because, hey, we all need to offload our own irritations onto someone else.
I’d be happy to hear your bugbears if you’re so inclined.
In the meantime, here are a few of mine:
1. Teachable moment: Is Oprah responsible for this overused phrase?
2. Speak to: as in “that book really spoke to my childhood experiences.”
3. On trend: What’s wrong with “trendy”?
4. ‘pant’ used in the singular: mainly by fashion commentators who probably know better than I do, but it still sounds annoying to my ears.
5. Different to, as opposed to different from: I mean, can you really differ to something?
6. The use of “I” as a direct object: e.g. “If you have any questions, please contact Haints or I.” Please, people, do not contact I. I cannot help you, but me is always ready to assist.
6. The word bugbear?
The Haints 