Interestingly, a magazine with offices located in Detroit, Michigan also published a list of taboo words. The December issue of Hour Detroit Magazine includes an article titled 40 Different Words and Phrases Not to Use.
I thought it might be fun to compare LSSU's list with that of Hour Detroit's.
LSSU's list includes 14 words and phrases and Hour Detroit's list includes 40.
The only no-no word that the two lists share is back story. Following is the back story commentary from each list.
Hour Detroit - "BACK STORY. What’s wrong with background?"
LSSU - BACK STORY
"This should be on the list of words that don't need to exist because a perfectly good word has been used for years. In this case, the word is 'history,' or, for those who must be weaned, 'story.'" Jeff Williams, Sherwood, Ariz.
"This should be on the list of words that don't need to exist because a perfectly good word has been used for years. In this case, the word is 'history,' or, for those who must be weaned, 'story.'" Jeff Williams, Sherwood, Ariz.
Here are a few more of the words and phrases from each list.
LSSU
Wow factor
Epic
BFF
Viral
I'm just sayin'
Hour Detroit
End result
Begs the question
Icon, iconic
Male nurse
Trust me
Skill set
For the full lists and descriptions please click on the above links.
2 comments:
I think the comic says it all. Pedants bemoaning the "decline of English" expose their own lack of knowledge when they create these lists. Prescriptivism is dead, for reals.
I thought the comparison was interesting, though. Thanks for sharing! I enjoy the blog, your updates never fail to entertain and educate! Hope you keep updating. :)
kalimera - Thank you. I am glad you enjoy the blog. Keep on reading.
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