by Elmo Adams

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: December 10, 2008

Author Jeremy Butterfield has written a book, Damp Squid, which should have broad appeal. It is about misused and overused words. You may have a part of your brain where you store some personal least favorites.

I hate to admit it, but I did not understand the title. It is named after the mistake of confusing a squid with a squib, a type of firework.

My lack of understanding probably stems from the fact that the researchers who created the list monitor the use of phrases in a database called the Oxford University Corpus. This a collection of books, papers, magazines, broadcasts, and Internet stuff that I just don't get to as much as I should.

Here in Letterman-like manner is Butterfield's top ten:

The top ten most irritating phrases:

1 - At the end of the day

I have tried to drum up enthusiasm for my "at the middle of the day" with almost no success

2 - Fairly unique

More unique and most unique seem as offensive

3 - I personally

That is tautological for those fond of long words. Butterfield describes is as "the linguistic equivalent of having chips with rice."

4 - At this moment in time

Have not heard this one that much, but it is reminds of Nixon's "at this point in time," a clever substitution of five words for the one word "now."

5 - With all due respect

often means with little or no respect

6 - Absolutely

In the world of sports, this one is often paired with it's cousin "most definitely."

7 - It's a nightmare

8 - Shouldn't of

grammatically incorrect, it has gained ground on the correct "shouldn't have"

9 - 24/7

10 - It's not rocket science

Annoying words come and go. Some seem to refuse to go. I dislike hopefully. Consider this passage:"Dave Krieg will take the snaps and, hopefully, hand off to RB Garrison Hearst." ( USA Today; Sept. 1, 1995.) (Is Krieg hoping for the best when Hearst runs? Or is the writer hoping that Krieg won't pass the football or hand off to another running back?)

Irregardless with its illogical negative prefix is still with us. There is never a need to use this word.

Citizens who read blogs and quite a large amount of text written by those with agile thumbs come in contact everyday with the worst abomination of them all, alot. There is a word, Alot. It is a town in India. There is no word alot. Never use it. Keep your children away from it as you would crack.

You and your friends can amuse yourselves turning this short list into a long one.

Learn more about this author, Elmo Adams.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.