hated expressions

Its not rocket science. Used by those who only understand 50% of whatever 'it' is that they're talking about. Consequently they know just enough to be dangerous / incompetent etc.

For me, double negatives are a complete no-no.

-- Ian

Brilliant and no worries

It’s not shining and bright and I wasn’t

Stuart

my most hated expressions tend to be those derived from regional dialects.
not sure of the correct spelling, but 'moither' - meaning "annoy/bother" - usually heard in the north west of england, is one that I find really annoying.
given sufficient time, I'm sure I could think of many more such examples.
one wonders why people can't talk properly.
the new 'text language', used universally by youngsters on mobile phones, is as equally annoying.
this ‘dumbing down’ of the english language will ensure that future generations grow up illiterate.

TN

'Resistance to change'

ross.
I'm not sure if your last remark was facetious, or just pedantic and pointless.
perhaps you would clarify?
ta.

TN

"Now we're cooking with gas." Yes, and?

Internet texting:
'LOL'
but especially
'IMHO'
even without the text, anyone who says "in my humble opinion" is patently someone whose opinion needn't be heeded at all, as he's a pinheaded w*nker anyway.

Literacy standards,
The bigger picture,

ross.
I apologise most sincerely for deliberately omitting to use paragraphs and capitals, for the sake of brevity.
in future, I will amend my behaviour and accept that contributing to this forum is akin to writing an english essay.

TN

Trevor, you have been told. I suggest you amend your non-capitalisation of Mr Blackman's name, or it's pistols at dawn, obviously.

hehe...yes indeed.
some people are so bloody petty and pedantic!

TN

Southpaws are Sinister, nicht War ?

Fritz von Preggers

ross.
the difference is when I write on the forum, it isn't an exam.
I also know how to use paragraphs and capitals, should I wish to use them.
unfortunately the 'text language' culture developing amongst young people, perpetuated by the use of mobile phones, is affecting levels of literacy, with quite a few kids I know not being able to spell or write english correctly as a result.
this 'dumbing down' of the english language is becoming the accepted norm and some kids don't know any better, whereas I chose to write as I do here out of convenience, not ignorance.
I trust that you appreciate the difference, and will refrain from making any further patronising remarks.
ta.

TN

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mick Parry:
Another daft one is envelopes of sound....what moron created that one.

---

Actually Mick, this is one of those irritating exceptions which do actually mean something. The "envelope" of a sound is a way of describing precisely its relative loudness with respect to time, and is normally defined in terms of four separate parameters: Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release. Early (early 70s to late 80s) analogue synthesisers often had a group of four slider controls for these parameters, collectively (and rather amusingly) known as the "envelope generator".

I'm with you all the way on the others, though, and would like to toss the 'Merkin "levverridge" into the ring for consideration. The correct form ("leverage") is a perfectly reasonable abstract noun. Not only do they pissmoprounce it, they then go on to (ab)use it as a verb, making it at least as objectionable as "structured".

What about the corruption of county names with which Chris Tarrant so willingly assists? "Berksheer", "Gloucestersheer", "Staffordsheer", and so on... not to mention the classic newsreaders' "Westminster" or even "Westminister" (always used to be "Westminster") and the really loathsome "invoalved". I also had a sociolgy lecturer once who insisted on saying "origin", but you'd expect them to talk bollocks anyway (colloq).

Best;

Mark

Trevor,

quote:

---

this 'dumbing down' of the english language is becoming the accepted norm and some kids don't know any better, whereas I chose to write as I do here out of convenience, not ignorance.

---

What's the difference in practice? Whether you adopt unconventional spelling, punctuation, grammar or syntax out of ignorance or convenience, the result is the same -- moronification of the language.

(Mr. Robinson, of course, is exempt from such criticism since his inventive spelling adds to his charm.)

Joe

A "kid" is a baby goat.

John

Hi,
IMO the engilsh language continues to evolve over the years, with the addition of acceptable words/phrases that some time before were unacceptable.

So it's difficult to judge because it's always changing...

andy c!

Joe said "Mr. Robinson, of course, is exempt from such criticism since his inventive spelling adds to his charm"

I actually have a special interlekshual imewnity. Sort of like James Joyce.

Ross said "I'm sure many - perhaps most - of these kids have learned correct grammar, spelling etc - but choose to use the "dumbed down" variety for the same reason you do: convenience"

And I suspect children tend to follow the example of adults...

BTW ALthough grammar and punctuation was not taught for many years in English schools although it's back on the national curriculum again now.

Andy c! said "So it's difficult to judge because it's always changing..."

Although I am fairly sure that using the exclamation mark as part of your name is not strictly speaking allowed.

Trevor said 'but 'moither' - meaning "annoy/bother"'

mither is a fabulous word that is wonderfully poetic and loaded with meaning and subtlties. It was also used in the title of a Fall song ("CNC's Mithering") and if it's good enough for Mark E. Smith....

Matthew

quote:

---

but especially
'IMHO'
even without the text, anyone who says "in my humble opinion" is patently someone whose opinion needn't be heeded at all, as he's a pinheaded w*nker anyway.

---

It gets you off the hook for libel if I am correct.

"Faithful Tune amps are a pile of shite" could land you in court,

but "Faithful Tune amps are a pile of shite (IMHO)" won't, because by acknowledging the statement as your own opinion it is no longer libellous.

We are headed for a disaster.

What is wrong with using the present progressive

we are heading for a disaster?



Regards,

Steve.

naim phrases that drive you nuts...

1) Buy the 552, "YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE"

You learn something new everyday.

P

"Not a lot of people know this"

joe,

quote:

---

What's the difference in practice? Whether you adopt unconventional spelling, punctuation, grammar or syntax out of ignorance or convenience, the result is the same -- moronification of the language.

---

with respect, I think you're being pernickety for the sake of an argument.
whilst you are correct, technically, I think the point I was making was obvious.
therefore I have no intention of repeating myself.
besides, you guys from over the pond are renowned for your phonetic use of english.
I guess that's why you don't have a problem with text lingo!

ross,

quote:

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..in fact I find the idea that you are allowed to "dumb down" your language - because you do it intentionally - while these kids are not - because you assume that they know no better..

---

I'm not assuming anything.
I judge by the evidence I see with my own eyes, and from the experience of knowing kids who come under the category I mentioned.

quote:

---

..is far more patronising than anything I have said.

---

in your opinion.

quote:

---

And you can trust in anything you like, I still reserve the right to point out a silly comment, patronising or not.

---

equally, I reserve the right to point out pedantic remarks, especially when I feel they're a prelude to an argument.
have a nice day.

TN

"Faithful Tune amps" has just joined my list.

-- Ian

Australians who say Darter not Data.

Howard