Phrases/words that set your teeth on edge.

[french frank]

There is a linguistic fascination about these things. I noticed over the holidays that the younger members of the family used the word 'random' several times, in a way that I thought slightly odd (random, even). In the gym (where else? ) I heard one of the pop DJs - I don't remember whether it was Kiss FM or Radio 1 - use the word 'random'. It sounded like a pattern. So: google 'urban random' and bingo! http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=random

I'm left not knowing exactly what 'they' mean by it, or think about it, but I do know that it's a new buzzword and that's why I keep hearing it ... Like 'robust' and 'passionate'.

[Serial_Apologist]

There is a linguistic fascination about these things. I noticed over the holidays that the younger members of the family used the word 'random' several times, in a way that I thought slightly odd (random, even). In the gym (where else? ) I heard one of the pop DJs - I don't remember whether it was Kiss FM or Radio 1 - use the word 'random'. It sounded like a pattern. So: google 'urban random' and bingo! http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=random

I'm left not knowing exactly what 'they' mean by it, or think about it, but I do know that it's a new buzzword and that's why I keep hearing it ... Like 'robust' and 'passionate'.

Random's a good buzzword for the times we live under...

[Ferretfancy]

Has anybody noticed the increasing misuse of the word torrid ? My dictionary gives the meaning as scorching or parching, and also as intensely passionate or emotional. Journalists have taken to using it to describe almost anything which is risky or threatening.
Could they also try to avoid icon or iconic in every other sentence ?

[Zucchini]

...but I do know that it's a new buzzword and that's why I keep hearing it ... Like 'robust' and 'passionate'.

And 'gym?

[gurnemanz]

Random's a good buzzword for the times we live under...

Talking to younger person you have to bear this in mind if using the word "random" in its normal sense, since they may not grasp what you're on about. I can't imagine that I would ever use it in its new sense, let alone preceded by "so" .... any more than I would ever follow my daughter's standard usage and say "Can I get a latte, please".....

[gurnemanz]

Could they also try to avoid icon or iconic in every other sentence ?

Guilty! I was recently doing a translation from German for someone. The word "Symbolfigur" came up (with reference to the Dalai Lama) and I found myself rendering it as "iconic figure". I was aware of the cliché status of the word but used it nonetheless. It seemed to trip off the tongue better than "symbolic figure" and fitted the context.

[french frank]

And 'gym?

Necessarily explanatory. How else would I come to be listening to Kiss FM or Radio 1 or Heart or Heat or any of the other myriad pop stations?

[Don Petter]

Necessarily explanatory. How else would I come to be listening to Kiss FM or Radio 1 or Heart or Heat or any of the other myriad pop stations?

Life (gym), but not as we know it?

[Nick Armstrong]

Life (gym), but not as we know it?

Nice, Don, very nice

[Serial_Apologist]

Nice, Don, very nice

Has "gym" had a meaning change too, then? If so, it's the first I've heard...

[teamsaint]

Nice, Don, very nice

Neat, and not difficult for the reader to work out.

[EdgeleyRob]

Laters mate !

and

He's/she's got that in his/her locker !

[Phileas]

In weather forecasts:
"The temperature will be several degrees higher than it should be at this time of year"

[teamsaint]

"Fit for Purpose" is outstaying its welcome.

[arancie33]

"Incredibly" - what's wrong with "very"?