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In lugnet.off-topic.fun, Jeff Jardine writes:
> 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 '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.
You might not want to impact them too hard...
I checked four different dictionaries (three printed, one online) and can
find in each a reference to the word 'impact' being both a noun and a
transitive verb. (1)
Ex.
Noun = a striking together; collision
Verb (t) = to press or drive firmly into something
Then of course there is the word 'impacted' which is an adverb. Often used
in the dental sense, "he had an impacted widsom tooth."
> Other pretentious workplace words that are annoying:
> Functionality - it has a FUNCTION, not FUNCTIONALITY!
Whereas I would say it has many functionS. Although working in a computer
development job I use the word functionality more often than not. :)
> Methodology - What's wrong with 'method?' Why use five syllalbes when two
> will do?
To me, 'methodology' is just business-speak for a course of action or
strategy. It is often overused by software architects and other folks who
think they know more than you.
> Does anyone else out there has their own linguistic pet peeves? I'm
> literally all ears. ;)
I'm surrounded with business-speak all day; much of which causes me to shake
my head. Apparently I loathe it so much that I've blocked it all, for I
can't think of a single example. But I will... as soon as I post this, I'm
sure. :)
All the best,
Allan B.
(1) Unless I've misread your posting. I can't quite tell if you know that
'impact' is a verb, but one that is misused. Or, if you aren't happy with it
ever being used as a verb. If I've misunderstood, my apologies.
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: Geek Speak?
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| (...) Yes, 'impact' can be used as a verb, but not when the author/speaker should be using 'affect' or 'influence.' People seem to use it when they're trying to make a greater 'impact' on their audience, and that bothers me. I'm not alone on this: (...) (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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