50 Most Annoying Americanisms
Why do they hate us (U.S. citizens)?
The most common answer has always been that they hate our freedom, but I have breaking news from across the pond: It might be because of our language.
The BBC recently posted an article on the 50 most noted (a polite British way of saying annoying) Americanisms.
Dare I say that I must be British at heart since they make many excellent points, including:
Reach out instead of “ask.”
It is what it is, which is what it is: a phrase that says NOTHING.
Where’s it at? instead of the grammatically correct “Where is it?”
Ridiculousity, which the contributor hopes is being done tongue-in-cheek, but I wouldn’t bet on that–based on how often I hear the next one.
Physicality, which isn’t a word despite its growing use. (Note: People in the U.S. love to make up -ality words since it makes them sound so smart, at least to those who think anything ever uttered instantly becomes an acceptable word.)
Least worst option; the contributor suggests asking what the “most best option” might be.
Going forward instead of the standard “in the future.”
I could go on, but I don’t want anyone to get his knickers in a bunch.
****
What is with the Peanuts cartoons? A hint of something coming soon, perhaps?
*****
Psssst - The answer to the question posed a while back is - William Wordsworth. Your parting gifts are in the mail...
The most common answer has always been that they hate our freedom, but I have breaking news from across the pond: It might be because of our language.
The BBC recently posted an article on the 50 most noted (a polite British way of saying annoying) Americanisms.
Dare I say that I must be British at heart since they make many excellent points, including:
Reach out instead of “ask.”
It is what it is, which is what it is: a phrase that says NOTHING.
Where’s it at? instead of the grammatically correct “Where is it?”
Ridiculousity, which the contributor hopes is being done tongue-in-cheek, but I wouldn’t bet on that–based on how often I hear the next one.
Physicality, which isn’t a word despite its growing use. (Note: People in the U.S. love to make up -ality words since it makes them sound so smart, at least to those who think anything ever uttered instantly becomes an acceptable word.)
Least worst option; the contributor suggests asking what the “most best option” might be.
Going forward instead of the standard “in the future.”
I could go on, but I don’t want anyone to get his knickers in a bunch.
****
What is with the Peanuts cartoons? A hint of something coming soon, perhaps?
*****
Psssst - The answer to the question posed a while back is - William Wordsworth. Your parting gifts are in the mail...
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