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In lugnet.off-topic.fun, Jeff Jardine writes:
> here's a misuse that really
> cheeses me off: overuse of the word 'impact,' especially as a verb.
> It used to be a noun meaning a physical collision, but is often used when
> the speaker should be using 'affect' or 'effect.' The aggravating part is
> not so much the misuse, but rather the people who use it - they almost
> always seem to be trying really hard to sound like an expert on whatever
> topic they're discussing. I'd really like to impact those people right in
> the head.
As far as I'm aware, the first on-screen use of that "verb" was in Star
Wars, when someone observed that proton torpedos "didn't go in, just
impacted on the surface."
> Other pretentious workplace words that are annoying:
> Functionality - it has a FUNCTION, not FUNCTIONALITY!
> Methodology - What's wrong with 'method?' Why use five syllalbes when two
> will do?
"Proactive" is a particular bugaboo re: workplace pretensions, but it
pales in comparison to "irregardless" and the corrupted use of "flaunt" to
denote a willful and demonstrative disregard for something (ie, "He flaunted
my warning and ate the rancid meat anyway."). While we're at it, I've
noticed that meteorologists love to refer to "rainshower activity," which
uses seven syllables when one ("rain") would be just fine.
But for me, "signage" and "verbiage" cause the most annoyage. I know that
these words have been around for quite some time, but they still vex me.
> Does anyone else out there has their own linguistic pet peeves? I'm
> literally all ears. ;)
Maggie never misses an opportunity to chime in on one of these
discussions, so we'll be sure to hear from her!
Dave!
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Message has 3 Replies:
 | | Re: Geek Speak?
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| Dave Schuler wrote in message ... (...) flaunted (...) These people are trying to say "flout", but can't tell the difference. Maybe it's the American accent that causes the problem <g,d&r> Kevin ---...--- NEW Cottage kit, 577 pieces! (URL) TOWN (...) (22 years ago, 13-Nov-02, to lugnet.off-topic.fun, lugnet.off-topic.geek)
| | | Re: Geek Speak?
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| (...) My university would always say a major was "currently impacted" instead of "full." Geez. (...) There seems this mass delusion that the word "flaunt" is the word "flout". Why would he wave your warning about in a brazen fashion? I don't get it. (...) (22 years ago, 13-Nov-02, to lugnet.off-topic.fun, lugnet.off-topic.geek)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: Geek Speak?
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| (...) No comment on the origin of "me like," but here's a misuse that really cheeses me off: overuse of the word 'impact,' especially as a verb. It used to be a noun meaning a physical collision, but is often used when the speaker should be using (...) (22 years ago, 12-Nov-02, to lugnet.off-topic.fun, lugnet.off-topic.geek)
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