British Expatriate Network

Yes we've moaned about something like this on numerous occasions but I want to rant...

I've noticed the prevalence of a certain word since I've been back in Britain that is driving me nuts. On a surprisingly frequent basis I hear someone use the word "orientated" to describe their perception or position to something. I know it is a word but wouldn't "oriented" be more suitable? Am I wrong here?

Also my wife and I have made friends with a woman from Texas who recently moved to Bath. On two seperate occasions she has used the phrase, "when your feeling romantical..." It grates through me like teeth on tinfoil.

Lastly now I'm back I get to see the asinine Tesco slogan "Every Little Helps" on an almost daily basis. Every little what? "Every Little Helps" doesn't make any sense.

Anything drive you mad?

obligated

I'll make a list, a long list.


The "every little helps" bit was a response when someone apologised because they could only make a small contribution. In that usage, it makes sense.

Burglarized

Elasticized

In fact, anything with "ized" on the back end of it.

Debs x smile

irregardless -non-word
patriotic -misused
security -ditto

I've found alphabetized quite useful

Here are two I have heard in the last month or so that have really grated :shock:

Both used by TV presenters:

First, a meteorologist congratulating himself that the storm was exactly as he had 'prognosticized'

Then, in a discussion about young teenage girls, they were referred to as 'pubertal'

:shock: I thought I'd heard them all!

According to dictionary.com orientate is a word that has been around since approximately 1830/40 so it isn't a new word exactly.

Working with students where English is their second language, they are very good at coming up with words that aren't used. You soon learn to laugh with them (not at them) and not get frustrated. English is a living language, why can't new words be invented if people use them a lot wink

There are many words we use that seem pointless - one that stands out for me is the difference between flammable and inflammable, and yet they are both perfectly acceptable words. why?

I must admit, studying the language is fascinating )

"Sugerized" was one that came up with a doctor once. UGH!

But I had the same reaction when I first heard "privatized" and now it's part of common usage.

My list is too long. "Irregardless" is certainly one of my pet peeves too. A simple "regardless" will suffice.

Oh, and I still have issues with 'could care less' Just don't get it. :???:

Me too but if I'm honest I really couldn't care less :mrgreen:

:lol: It used to be "I couldn't care less" apparently people have become careless :!: Get it :?:

"The Education of Hyman Kaplan", provides a wonderful example of what Ben said about teaching English to emigrants. Mr. Kaplan is a genius. I still think it was one of the funniest books I ever read.

I must confess that my inner child wets its knickers whenever anyone says they "have a doody to protect this country..."

Against nucular attack :!:

:roll: :roll:

(accompanied by a slow hand clap) :roll: :mrgreen: