Top 10 irritating English phrases: Oxford research

English language is replete with such phrases that have become almost repulsive on account of overuse. Certain phrases have even lost their original meaning and mean something that is only remotely associated with the original idea, if at all.

CJ: Dr. Lalit kishore

Wed, Nov 12, 2008 22:56:18 IST

Views:
977
Comments:
1

Rate:

2.5 / 2 votes

Human Psychology :

IT IS a matter of common experience that anything that gets repeated too often and over-used becomes irritating.

Many phrases loose their meaning due to their excessive use and become just a part of mannerism.

According to the researchers at Oxford University, the current ten top phrases of English that have become irritating, range from "at the end of the day" to "it’s not rocket science"

The list of top ten irritating phrases goes as follows.

At the end of the day

Fairly unique

I personally

At this moment of time

With all due respect

Absolutely

It’s a nightmare

Shouldn’t of

24/7

It’s not a rocket science

Some other irritating phrases are ’literally’, ’ironically’, ’obviously’. The Oxford University researchers monitor the use of phrases by creating a massive data base from print media, electronic media and the net.

Similarly, in the classroom too, teachers as a part of their un-analyzed mannerism use empty phrases which students find quite irritating. There exist some research studies on the ways the teachers bore their students.

E-mail |

Print | Post comment

More in Human Psychology

Post your comment

Posted comments (2)

	Comments
	\| 22 January 2010 Reply to Comment \| New Comment \| Report Abuse

	A timely reminder of changing vocabulary. I am guilty of overuse of some of the phrases mentioned. Well, we need to go back to good writers to learn the art of writing well in a foreign language like English.
	\| 13 November 2008 Reply to Comment \| New Comment \| Report Abuse