Many words and expressions irritate me when people misuse them.
My original post (scroll down to find it) began with a dozen problematic words and phrases. I've added many more!
Misused Words and Expressions
1. "You can't compare X with Y..."
In this episode, I destroy the inaccurate expression that says, "You can't compare...." About 99% of the time, you CAN compare anything with anything.
You may dislike the comparison or believe the two things are vastly different, but that doesn't mean you CANNOT compare them.
2. World Champions and World Series
Major League Baseball, an exclusively North American league, says its best annual team is the "World Champions," having won the "World Series." No other continent is invited to compete.
Similarly, the NBA's top team is called the "World Champions," even though, once again, only North American teams can compete.
In 20 seconds, I complain about this.
For a more in-depth analysis, consider what Perplexity.ai wrote:
The terms "World Champions" in NBA basketball and "World Series" in MLB are contentious but widely used for several reasons:
NBA "World Champions"
1. The NBA is considered the best basketball league globally, attracting top international talent[3][7].
2. Many of the league's best players, including recent MVP winners, are international[1][3].
3. The NBA champion is viewed as the best professional team in the world, competing against global competition even though games are played in North America[3].
MLB "World Series"
1. Baseball is widely played on three continents, with MLB being the highest level of play[3].
2. Many MLB players are international, making it a global competition[3].
Other Examples
1. NFL Super Bowl winners are sometimes called "World Champions," though this is more controversial due to American football's limited global reach[3].
2. The NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, featuring teams from the USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden, has recently sparked intense international rivalry, particularly between the USA and Canada[2][5].
Counterarguments
1. Some argue these terms are arrogant, as the teams don't actually compete against all global teams.
2. In European soccer, UEFA Champions League winners are called "European champions" despite it being the most prestigious club tournament worldwide.
The use of "World Champions" in American sports leagues remains a topic of debate. Proponents argue it reflects the highest level of global competition, while critics see it as an overstatement of the leagues' international reach.
3. Very Full or Very Unique
This mini-episode is another Public Service Announcement from a grammar Nazi. It's my simple effort to clean up sloppy English.
I explain why you should never say something is:
- Very Full
- Very Unique
Perplexity.ai elaborates on the problematic nature:
Very full
-
Semantic Issue: Saying "very full" is not inherently incorrect, but it can be seen as redundant or unnecessary. "Full" typically means completely filled or occupied, so adding "very" doesn't add much meaning. However, in casual conversation, it's often used to emphasize a high degree of fullness.
-
Alternative Phrasing: Instead of "very full," you might say "completely full" or "totally full" to convey a stronger sense of being filled to capacity.
Very Unique
-
Semantic Issue: The term "unique" means being one-of-a-kind or without equal. Therefore, saying "very unique" can be seen as contradictory because something cannot be more or less unique; it either is or it isn't.
-
Alternative Phrasing: If you want to convey that something is unusual or exceptional, consider using phrases like "very unusual," "extremely rare," or "exceptionally special" instead of "very unique."
-
Common Usage: Despite the logical inconsistency, "very unique" is commonly used in informal contexts to mean "very unusual" or "very special." However, in formal or precise writing, it's generally advised to avoid this usage23.
In summary, while "very full" might be redundant, "very unique" is more problematic due to its logical inconsistency with the definition of "unique."
10 problematic words/phrases
Initially, I made one 30-minute show with all 10 words.
However, I've also broken them into mini-podcasts and video shorts to make them more sharable.
Share to educate the world about these 12 misused words or phrases.
-
Nonplussed
-
Mad
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Biweekly, bimonthly, and biannually
-
Full of chemicals
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Backpacking
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Only a fraction
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Don't judge
-
Proud
-
Giving more than 100%
-
Asian and American
Watch the episode with all 12 words on YouTube or listen on my podcast:
What words or expressions bug you?
Send me your ideas to
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