Thursday, January 11

PRETTY MUCH: "Absolutely"



TERMS / JARGON THAT SHOULD CARRY TERRIBLE PENALTIES IF USED:

  • ABSOLUTELY
  • folks
  • at the end of the day
  • pretty much
  • fabulous
  • whatever
  • cool (died in the 60's)
  • ums and aahs (CBC Radio Hosts are getting worse)

Today, keep your ears open and simply listen to how many times those around you use the word: "absolutely". Even on CBC Radio? Pitty!

After a while it will drive you crazy. Expecially when you know that "pretty much" of the time it is used in the wrong context and utilized by mere habit of trying to fit in and be cool.

Do you know who makes them keep on saying to jargon words and terms? Advertisers. Yes, those business people whose job it is to make sure you pay attention to their ads on TV and radio...How is the best way, by making funny ads and using popular "junk" words and phrases that are ever-so-popular.

Am a right?

"Pretty much" or "Absolutely" you dare say? (do not forget to count em today)

It was not that long ago that the masses were using the jargon phrase for almost everything: pretty much. But after a while that began to sound somewhat whimpish and now the worn-out trend is to use the term "absolutely" for everything under the sun, moon, and stars.

Oh yes, "folks" (another one I can do without), do not forget that one that us used by ALL EXPERTS ALIVE: "...at the end of the day...". Give us a break PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! We believe you are intelligent; so, please stop advertising the fact by trying to sound "pretty much" or "absolutely" like the last expert before you.

"The firm, a branch of staffing agency Robert Half International Inc., recently polled 250 advertising and marketing executives about phrases that might have seemed clever back in the day, but are stale and annoying now." Globe and Mail

Here are some of the things "they" say to avoid:
“Paradigm shift,” grates on the executives' nerves, as does “critical mass.”

When words and phrases become overused, “they can lose their impact and appear clichéd,” said Dave Willmer, executive director of The Creative Group.

“Direct, concrete statements typically are the most powerful and persuasive. When professionals find their communications laden with buzzwords, they should consider how they might convey their thoughts more clearly,”

So, please, do us all a favour and LOSE THE JARGON and don't be cool LOL...Oh, and yes, I almost forgot one: FABULOUS. Please, please, please, lose that one. It sounds "like", well know you, pretty much absolutely horrible. [cartoon credit]