Response to my last column on annoying words and phrases I believe should die a quick and violent death was strong enough I decided to write part two straight away. Not all of these words do I believe should exit our lexicon entirely. My critique tends to be a social one, the slang or popular usage of various terms. “Weird trick” appeared in my last column. “Weird” will always be around. My particular gripe had to do with the way advertisers online attempt to draw clicks by describing some mystery product as a “weird trick” to get a wine stain out of upholstery, or whatever else. So to start off part two, I’ll open with the opposite of weird.
Normal – “Normal is boring. I’m not normal.” Teenagers want to stand out. They’re learning who they are and they want to be recognized. Teenage years are all about this kind of discovery. They feel if they blend in too much, nobody will notice them. They can wear “weird” and wrinkle their noses at “normal.” That’s fine. However, adults should have learned everyone is different by now, right? So why do I keep seeing them post on Facebook how weird they are, or how proud they are from being far from normal? There is no normal. You’re unique and special, just like everyone else.
Haters – I’m in the rare position of being a hater of the word “hater.” My skeleton wants to leap out of my skin and run away banging its bony hands against its skull every time I hear the phrase, “Haters gonna hate.” If you use the word “hater” to name your critics and enemies, I can give you at least one reason why they hate you. And if I hear it, you’ll gain another. Elevate yourself above these people you despise so much and use a real word.
Hack – Many may disagree with me on this one. Who doesn’t marvel over organizing extra cords by stuffing them in toilet paper tubes, using hanging planters for fruit, or putting rolls of trash bags on paper towel holders? These are all fine and dandy and other suitable adjectives, but they’re not “hacks.” In computer terms, “hacking” means to break into a program or bypass cyber security. It does not mean “using a shoe rack to store cleaning supplies.” The word you’re looking for is “tips,” or “suggestions” or “ideas” or any other word meaning “some useful way to make something easier, better, or simpler.” Of course the word itself can’t and shouldn’t die. I can’t hack hacking through these bushes with this hacking cough.
If I’ve forgotten a word or phrase that makes you roll your eyes into next Tuesday, let me know.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 3 More Dying Words Spoken