Phrases/words that set your teeth on edge.

[cloughie]

'When I use a word,’ Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, ‘it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.’

’The question is,’ said Alice, ‘whether you can make words mean so many different things.’

’The question is,’ said Humpty Dumpty, ‘which is to be master — that’s all.”

― Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass

....and look what happened to HD!

[MrGongGong]

This

'When I use a word,’ Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, ‘it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.’

Is a phrase that "sets my teeth on edge"

[ardcarp]

....and look what happened to HD!

Isn't that rather the point? Alice is always, for Rev Dodgson, the small, sensible voice of reason.

[Serial_Apologist]

The latest one to get up my nose is the use of the word "aspiration" to describe people claimed by the likes of Mandelson to have been let down by a Labour Party too focussed on winning over the poor while slagging off business, ("Why do the media always have to wheel him out when the Party's in trouble?" asked a Geordie commentator, quite reasonably), but also by Chuka Umuna, of whom one had higher expectations.

What "aspiration" is defined as is left hanging, given that it now is a euphemism for middle class; so what became of the "squeezed middle" we were once told about, and its once-driven aspirations?

[MrGongGong]

The latest one to get up my nose is the use of the word "aspiration" to describe people claimed by the likes of Mandelson to have been let down by a Labour Party too focussed on winning over the poor while slagging off business, ("Why do the media always have to wheel him out when the Party's in trouble?" asked a Geordie commentator, quite reasonably), but also by Chuka Umuna, of whom one had higher expectations.

What "aspiration" is defined as is left hanging, given that it now is a euphemism for middle class; so what became of the "squeezed middle" we were once told about, and its once-driven aspirations?

What if I "aspire" to have less money, a smaller house and more time to explore the world of obscure musics?

I don't think they mean that?

[ardcarp]

I aspire to banish the making plural of nouns which are inherently singular.

But I agree with your sentiments, Gongers. I'd like to give up everything and just go sailing. Now, if only it were not such a damned expensive activity.....

[Serial_Apologist]

What if I "aspire" to have less money, a smaller house and more time to explore the world of obscure musics?

I don't think they mean that?

I worry more and more that they'll take away my old grumpy's travel pass unless I use public transport more, and they catch me out on my bike.

[ahinton]

What "aspiration" is defined as is left hanging, given that it now is a euphemism for middle class; so what became of the "squeezed middle" we were once told about, and its once-driven aspirations?

One of my "aspiratons" (or at least perhaps it should be one) is to have more of a "squeezed middle" (note to self - must exercise more)...

[P. G. Tipps]

The latest silly phrase used by progressive, newly-aspiring politicians and political commentators, which now seems to have taken over from 'white, middle-aged, middle-class men in grey suits'.

'Pale, Male & Stale ...'

Well it's mercifully much shorter and it rhymes, I suppose ...

[visualnickmos]

Iain Duncan Smith

[P. G. Tipps]

Iain Duncan Smith

Talking of him ...' IDS' ... as if we are all supposed to know immediately to whom this refers.

Nothing but smug, clubbish, middle-rank management-speak.

What a wonderful thread to let off a bit of steam! ...

[mangerton]

The latest silly phrase used by progressive, newly-aspiring politicians and political commentators, which now seems to have taken over from 'white, middle-aged, middle-class men in grey suits'.

'Pale, Male & Stale ...'

Well it's mercifully much shorter and it rhymes, I suppose ...

What about, "They're beyond the pale, so let justice prevail - they should be in gaol - not out on bail".

[MrGongGong]

What about, "They're beyond the pale, so let justice prevail - they should be in gaol - not out on bail".

Is that from a poem by Cardinal Newman by any chance?

[mangerton]

Is that from a poem by Cardinal Newman by any chance?

If it is, the plagiarism was unconscious.

[MrGongGong]

If it is, the plagiarism was unconscious.

You are ALW and I claim my prize