Introduction

Language is a fascinating tool that we use daily, but it also comes with its fair share of overused or misused words. In this article, I will discuss a few words that frequently get me cringing in conversation—words that I find overused or incorrectly used to the point of being annoying. Whether it's through podcasts or everyday conversations, these linguistic inconsistencies can impede or impinge on the effectiveness of clear communication. Let's dive into some of these examples and explore how we can improve our language use.

Common Language Mistakes That Drive Me Crazy

Impede vs. Impinge

One of the most common mistakes I hear in podcast conversations is the misuse of impede and impinge. While these words might seem similar, they have distinct meanings. Impede refers to the act of obstructing or hindering movement or progress, while impinge can mean to encroach or have an adverse effect on something. My friend, whom I consider a lifelong companion from fifth grade, once used ideal in place of idea, a mistake that was so prevalent for years that it became a part of our shared history. However, thanks to the digital age, I now see the word plethora pop up more often, brought about by a former student who was delighted to discover the word in her teens and now uses it flawlessly in adulthood.

Overabundance of "Awesome"

The word awesome is another prime example of a word that is overused to the point of irritation. There is an overwhelming tendency to label anything inconsequential as awesome, from confirming lunch dates to everyday tasks. While the power of the sun certainly qualifies as something awesome, using this word to describe mundane activities is prosaic. If you find yourself in a situation where the word awesome strikes you as insincere or unnecessary, it might be time to consider more specific and meaningful descriptors.

The Overuse of "Subjective"

Another pet peeve of mine is when someone insists that a question is subjective simply because they don't like the opinion being expressed. Often, this is a red herring meant to avoid engaging in a debate. If someone claims something is subjective, they’re essentially saying, "I don’t want to discuss this because it’s my personal opinion, and that’s final." This kind of response can make for a boring and unproductive conversation, and it might be more effective to provide your own opinion or counter-argument rather than dismissing someone else's without a valid reason.

Incorrect or Excessive Use of "Literally"

The overuse of the word literally when it is not actually meant in the literal sense is another common annoyance. Literal means something that is actual and not metaphorical, but it is often used to exaggerate or add emphasis to a statement. For instance, saying "I literally died laughing" when you mean you laughed so hard you almost passed out. This misusage, while seemingly harmless, can dilute the meaning of the word to the point where it loses its impact. Instead of relying on literally to make a point, consider finding a more impactful word or phrase that will convey your meaning more effectively.

The Use of "Like" as a Fill Word

The like fill word is particularly grating, especially in conversations or media where it is used extensively and unnecessarily. For instance, the reality TV shows "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" are notorious for this. Speakers in these shows often pepper their sentences with "like" every two words, making it difficult to follow the conversation. This pattern of speech can make communication less efficient and more distracting.

Conclusion

Language continues to evolve, and with it, we see new words and phrases emerge while older ones fall out of favor. However, it's important to be mindful of the words we use and the impact they have on the clarity and effectiveness of our communication. By paying attention to common language mistakes and making a conscious effort to avoid them, we can improve the overall quality of our interactions and ensure that our words are more impactful and meaningful.