Introduction

Language is a dynamic and evolving tool that continues to adapt to the needs of society. However, there are certain words and phrases that annoy me or make me uncomfortable, and I believe it's important to address these to promote clearer communication. This article will explore some of these words and their correct usage.

The Evolution of Language

As a former linguistic curmudgeon, I once had a strong aversion to any deviation in proper English usage. However, I've come to understand that language is constantly evolving, and dictionaries reflect this by adding new words and updating the definitions of existing ones. Words like irregardless and deci-mate may be commonly misused, but they have their roots in historical usage. Let's dive into some of these words that put me off the most.

Irregardless of Common Usage

One of the words that puts me off is the contraction irregardless. Contrary to popular belief, the correct term is simply regardless. Many dictionaries now include irregardless because it has become so common, but using it might make your writing sound less formal. The primary reason it irritates me is that it’s a superfluous contraction.

The Misuse of Decimate

A common blunder in language is the misuse of the word decimate. This word has a specific historical and mathematical meaning, derived from the Latin decimare, which means "to kill one in ten." It originally referred to a Roman punishment where one in ten men was executed, and over time, it has broader applications in military contexts. However, the widespread use of decimate to mean "destroy" is a modern misinterpretation and a grammatical abuse.

The Verb and Adjective Battle: Cringe

Another word that irks me is the misuse of the word cringe. When someone uses this as an adjective, it's a flagrant misuse of the language. Cringe is a verb, meaning to feel shame or embarrassment, and cannot be used as an adjective. Verbs describe actions and states, while adjectives modify nouns. Therefore, if you need to describe something as making you feel cringed, use the adjectival form, cringeworthy.

The Pernicious Spread of Peasy

The word peasy is another example of an irritating spread. This word, which rhymes with easy, has invaded many contexts through a kind of linguistic termite infestation. It’s unfortunate that words often spread in ways that degrade the purity and precision of the English language.

Dealing with the Use of “Should”

Should is a word that has contributions on both sides of the debate. While it can be useful in some contexts, its overuse can be detrimental to clear communication. When used on oneself, should can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, as if the speaker is always short of the mark. In a professional or educational setting, this word is often misused to direct or judge another person, which is inappropriate. For instance, instead of saying, He should have studied more, you could say, He needs to study more.

Alternatives and Effective Communication

When making plans, use should very cautiously. Consider using might or could to express a possibility. For example, If we add the eggs now, it might feel a lot looser when we stir it. In a setting where you are guiding children, provide clear, specific criteria for success. For instance, You need to have your shoes on in 3 minutes. I need you at the sink to start the dishes by the time I count to three.

Conclusion

Language is a powerful tool, and choosing the right words is crucial for effective communication. While it's important to appreciate the evolution of language, leaving some of these words and phrases that put me off can help maintain a higher standard in our communication. By being mindful of the words we use and their appropriate context, we can ensure that our language remains clear, precise, and respectful.