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Words that bug you - written or spoken

12467

Comments

  • #152
    Jellybaby1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭Jellybaby1


    When I was a chissiler, if I said 'can I have..' the answer was usually 'you mean, 'may I have...'. This was simply because 'you can, but you may not...'. Too confusing even now!


  • #153
    greenflash
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 499 ✭✭greenflash


    I think of "may I have" as being asking for permission, whereas "can I have" is directly asking for something to be provided for you.

    The other one driving me mad at the moment is when people ask a question by answering the question but adding "is it?" on to the end.

    "You're catching the train at three, is it?"

    It isn't. My train leaves at four.


  • #154
    Jellybaby1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭Jellybaby1


    :) That's probably 'you are catching the train at three, is that the time at which you are catching it?'

    B'dumpfh! (Not good at spelling noises!)


  • #155
    odds_on
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,869 ✭✭✭odds_on


    greenflash wrote: »
    I think of "may I have" as being asking for permission, whereas "can I have" is directly asking for something to be provided for you.

    The other one driving me mad at the moment is when people ask a question by answering the question but adding "is it?" on to the end.

    "You're catching the train at three, is it?"

    It isn't. My train leaves at four.
    May implies permission, as you say.
    Can implies physical possibility.

    My English teacher was very insistent on using may and can correctly!

    If asked the question, "Can I go to the toilet, please?", he would often let the student get up and go to the door before asking, "Where are you going?" Student replies, "You said that I can go to the toilet". To which he replied, "Yes, you asked if you were physically able to go to the toilet, to which I replied that you were - I did not give you permission to go - now sit down!"

    "Ah, yes, I remember it well!" (Possibly the title of a new thread?)


  • #156
    franc 91
    Closed Accounts Posts: 401 ✭✭franc 91


    Yes I agree with that - I teach English to French people and one short series of modals (which is what these are called) that we learn off by heart, just to get the meaning of them into focus is this -
    I can - I could
    I will - I would
    I shall - I should (+ I ought to)
    I may - I might
    Those in the first column are certain (apart from may) and those in the second column are far less certain and so they are very useful for expressing a polite question, because you're not imposing what you believe to be certain on someone else - and might is marginally less certain than may. We can then go on and find out how to use them in the appropriate context, now that we know where we are with them.


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  • #157
    Jellybaby1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭Jellybaby1


    I was told by a French lady who spoke several languages that English was the easiest to learn. I'd love to speak a second language, but Irish is on the verrrrrry bottom of the list. Sorry, I'm way OT now.


  • #158
    franc 91
    Closed Accounts Posts: 401 ✭✭franc 91


    Well if she's French, Occitan, Catalan, Italian and Spanish would be easier languages for her to learn than English. I contribute to a forum that helps people out with their French/English vocabulary and how to translate and use expressions from one language to the other and I can tell you , I and the others who contribute to it are never short of work - (and we do it for free.) Sorry if this is off topic.


  • #159
    muincav
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 810 ✭✭✭muincav


    why is that nowadays people feel the need to say "basically" ? or even start a sentence with it? and another annoying word is "absolutely".....and if you notice people who say it usually say "absolutely, absolutely"---just watch...;)


  • #160
    Alice1
    Registered Users Posts: 2,654 ✭✭✭Alice1


    muincav wrote: »
    why is that nowadays people feel the need to say "basically" ? or even start a sentence with it? and another annoying word is "absolutely".....and if you notice people who say it usually say "absolutely, absolutely"---just watch...;)
    I agree - it's right up there with "actually"


  • #161
    Rubecula
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,551 ✭✭✭Rubecula


    I have to admit to certain computer phrases that annoy the heck out of me too.

    ERROR

    INVALID

    TIME OUT

    to name but three. Error is ok if you made a mistake, but when it appears after you try to click on a link that you used only yesterday......... :mad:

    Invalid, if you are always using something, how can it suddenly become invalid. :mad:

    I have broadband, so how can a well used site now time out when I am trying to login? :mad:

    Sorry rant over :o


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  • #162
    OldRio
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,147 ✭✭✭OldRio


    I attended a wedding in southern England last week and a ghastly plague seems to have hit the female populous. The use of an upward inflection at the end of a sentence. Very annoying and tiresome in the extreme.
    Let us pray that the disease does not cross the sea and pollute our own.
    Worrying times indeed.


  • #163
    Spread
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,876 ✭✭✭Spread


    Upward inflection? My God, I noticed it in Blighty a long time ago. I've heard it in Ireland a good few times over the past few years. Usually from young wans who've been away for any length of time. It preceded toting the bottle of water thing as a fashion statement. :D

    Anyway, Old Rio, how are you? What a delightful and dignified handle :)


  • #164
    MrBinbetweener
    Registered Users Posts: 59 ✭✭MrBinbetweener


    stop the lights & get the boat.....seriously what does all that even mean


  • #165
    paddyandy
    Site Banned Posts: 2,037 ✭✭✭paddyandy


    "broad-minded"/backward/modern all suspect terms to describe the apathy around .


  • #166
    OldRio
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,147 ✭✭✭OldRio


    Spread wrote: »
    Upward inflection? My God, I noticed it in Blighty a long time ago. I've heard it in Ireland a good few times over the past few years. Usually from young wans who've been away for any length of time. It preceded toting the bottle of water thing as a fashion statement. :D

    Anyway, Old Rio, how are you? What a delightful and dignified handle :)

    A very good evening to yourself Spread, or should that be good afternoon.
    The crucifiction of the English language with this disease UI is blamed on TV.
    In particular Aussie Soaps.
    When the young wans are plonked in front of the TV. Always on full volume. Eating their food. Texting their friends. Arguing with their siblings. It does seem that the curse of UI effects them in a subliminal way.
    Antidote, no TV and a damn good book.
    I fear the worse.


  • #167
    Jellybaby1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭Jellybaby1


    Aussie Soaps? We can blame a lot more on them, such as orange tans, and strappy tops and dresses which Irish girls wear all year round forgetting that the sun always shines in Oz, but we live in Ireland for crying out loud!


  • #168
    Alice1
    Registered Users Posts: 2,654 ✭✭✭Alice1


    Jellybaby1 wrote: »
    Aussie Soaps? We can blame a lot more on them, such as orange tans, and strappy tops and dresses which Irish girls wear all year round forgetting that the sun always shines in Oz, but we live in Ireland for crying out loud!
    *Ali nods sagely. Mutters "I'm sounding more like my mother every day"


    wanders away*


  • #169
    Berckoise
    Registered Users Posts: 14 ✭Berckoise


    You're standing at a cash register, mouth open ready to ask for what you want to purchase and the assistant says "Are you all right?

    Should I tell her, starting at arthritis and continuing on down to wooziness when I stand up quickly?:confused:


  • #170
    Alice1
    Registered Users Posts: 2,654 ✭✭✭Alice1


    Berckoise wrote: »
    You're standing at a cash register, mouth open ready to ask for what you want to purchase and the assistant says "Are you all right?

    Should I tell her, starting at arthritis and continuing on down to wooziness when I stand up quickly?:confused:
    One of these days, I will provide a full medical history to one of those (trim, tanned, toned) young wans that ask me that question. I'll do it , I really will!


  • #171
    odds_on
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,869 ✭✭✭odds_on


    Isn't it amazing - there you are, in a hospital bed, saline drip attached etc and a visitor arrives and asks, "How are you, are you well?"

    Why do they think you are in hospital? - for a holiday!!!


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  • #172
    Spread
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,876 ✭✭✭Spread


    Mosquitoes!


  • #173
    JuliusCaesar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,882 ✭✭✭JuliusCaesar


    When people say "on behalf of" instead of "on his/her/their part". It's only on 'behalf of' if you are doing it instead of them! Grrr


  • #174
    Jellybaby1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭Jellybaby1


    JuliusCaesar wrote: »
    When people say "on behalf of" instead of "on his/her/their part". It's only on 'behalf of' if you are doing it instead of them! Grrr

    Well you know when the guys stand up at the 'oul wedding to make that Groom's thank you speech - they all say 'on behalf of my wife and I..' and everyone chuckles, well I never knew they were chuckling at his rotten grammar! :D Haw-haw!


  • #175
    JuliusCaesar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,882 ✭✭✭JuliusCaesar


    Jellybaby1 wrote: »
    Well you know when the guys stand up at the 'oul wedding to make that Groom's thank you speech - they all say 'on behalf of my wife and I..' and everyone chuckles, well I never knew they were chuckling at his rotten grammar! :D Haw-haw!

    "on behalf on my wife and I"




    reels with shock....:eek:


    it should of course be "of my wife and me"!

    The test is to leave out the other person. You'd never say "on behalf of I", would you? ...... would you??


    :p


  • #176
    Jellybaby1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭Jellybaby1


    How about 'on behalf of my wife and myself', then? I'm not sure about 'on behalf of my wife and me'.


  • #177
    Rubecula
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,551 ✭✭✭Rubecula


    Keep it short so she can say a few words herself?

    Not sure if this is good etiquette but it would solve the problem.


  • #178
    Spread
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,876 ✭✭✭Spread


    Rubecula wrote: »
    Keep it short so she can say a few words herself?

    ......................................................................................................

    In between the sobs ;)


  • #179
    Jellybaby1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭Jellybaby1


    Thankfully, more and more of the 'ould weddin' 'etiquette' is being changed and relaxed. I remember our weddin' and I still cringe! However, there are those that still stick by old traditions. I almost fell asleep at the last one I went to, all the long drawn out speeches and all the schmaltz. :eek:


  • #180
    Grandad Himself
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭Grandad Himself


    "Check out" [as in "take a look at"], "you guys" and my all time favourite - "awesome". I have even seen/heard "awesomeness" which makes me want to tear my hair out.


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  • #181
    looksee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,788 ✭✭✭✭looksee


    Partake used for 'take part'. I always understood it was 'partake of' - food for example. But apparently I am wrong, and you can say 'partake in' - a sport or other activity. Still bugs me though, even though I am wrong.


  • #182
    Stormchas3r
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭Stormchas3r


    "At the end of the day". Some days just never end.
    "From the get go". I know language is constantly evolving, but some nonsense like this is hard to take.


  • #183
    poppyvally
    Closed Accounts Posts: 341 ✭✭poppyvally


    "Basically" means you'll get to the main point in just a few words, not waffle on endlessly using "basically" every bloody second word!


  • #184
    Jellybaby1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭Jellybaby1


    'Regular' - instead of 'usual' or 'normal' or 'ordinary'. I also can't understand what a 'regular' size cup of coffee is. It is small, medium or large!! 'Regular' was never a size. :confused:


  • #185
    Grandad Himself
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭Grandad Himself


    On the subject of coffee, when did a black coffee become an Americano?


  • #186
    Jellybaby1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭Jellybaby1


    Grandad Himself wrote: »
    On the subject of coffee, when did a black coffee become an Americano?

    Is that what it is? Often wondered.


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  • #187
    Grandad Himself
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭Grandad Himself


    I discovered the fact after accusing the local coffee shop of not having a black coffee on the menu.
    Apparently there is no more white coffee either. It's all Latte or Cappuccino or something equally daft.


  • #188
    looksee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,788 ✭✭✭✭looksee


    I was out and about in the UK last week and discovered that there was a name for an Americano with a splash of milk. Now there's an original idea. Sadly I can't remember what it was called (maybe I should start to worry).


  • #189
    Jellybaby1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭Jellybaby1


    looksee wrote: »
    I was out and about in the UK last week and discovered that there was a name for an Americano with a splash of milk. Now there's an original idea. Sadly I can't remember what it was called (maybe I should start to worry).

    Mebbe it's Canomilky!


  • #190
    Alice1
    Registered Users Posts: 2,654 ✭✭✭Alice1


    Oooh I see. Hm, I thought that an Americano referred to the type of coffee used and that milk was included? Just as well I'm not out on my own much...


  • #191
    OldGoat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,637 ✭✭✭✭OldGoat


    A black coffee is a filtered or cafetiere coffee. An Ameracano is a double/tripple shot of espresso tipped into a mug of hot water.
    Terrible thing to do to an espresso if ya ask me but infinatly better then adding steamed milk or cream or flavour shots or marshmallows or banana chips or sugar or whatever.

    I'm older than Minecraft goats.



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  • #192
    looksee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,788 ✭✭✭✭looksee


    Thanks OG, I hadn't entirely thought it through. I knew about the espresso and water bit, but most cafes don't list the option of 'black coffee' meaning filtered etc, which is what I prefer. I had taken to asking for an americano instead of just black coffee, I shall go back to the black coffee!


  • #193
    Jumpaddict
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 69 ✭✭Jumpaddict


    OldGoat wrote: »
    A black coffee is a filtered or cafetiere coffee. An Ameracano is a double/tripple shot of espresso tipped into a mug of hot water.
    Terrible thing to do to an espresso if ya ask me but infinatly better then adding steamed milk or cream or flavour shots or marshmallows or banana chips or sugar or whatever.

    apt username there:D


  • #194
    Alice1
    Registered Users Posts: 2,654 ✭✭✭Alice1


    Jumpaddict wrote: »
    apt username there:D
    Oi there Jumpy, don't upset the Old Goat. Watch yer step there - cos we loves him and you wouldn't want to upset us little old ladies now would you?


  • #195
    Sardonicat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,408 ✭✭✭✭Sardonicat


    Totes

    Peeps

    And the various acronyms for women considered outside the "norm" to be sexually attractive/active: BBW, MILF, COUGAR.

    What's so unusual about a woman over forty or over a certain size being desired or desiirng younger guys that it requires an acronym or label?


  • #196
    poppyvally
    Closed Accounts Posts: 341 ✭✭poppyvally


    looksee wrote: »
    Thanks OG, I hadn't entirely thought it through. I knew about the espresso and water bit, but most cafes don't list the option of 'black coffee' meaning filtered etc, which is what I prefer. I had taken to asking for an americano instead of just black coffee, I shall go back to the black coffee!

    L/S ' buy a packet of Starbucks coffee beans & grind a few of them. Then make your coffee using a filter. Now that's coffee!, none of that poncy stuff


  • #197
    Goat the dote
    Registered Users Posts: 726 ✭✭✭Goat the dote


    People misspelling "thrilled". Using "trilled". I grind my teeth reading it.
    Or "I taught" instead of "thought".

    Probably a lot more but this really irritates me


  • #198
    majorsharpes
    Registered Users Posts: 12 ✭majorsharpes


    Ifn't, Whyn't and da triple worder: I'n't [ I would not ]


  • #199
    Questionable?
    Registered Users Posts: 84 ✭✭Questionable?


    LOL...
    And even worse, smiley faces.


  • #200
    bdoo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 574 ✭✭✭bdoo


    Grandad Himself wrote: »
    On the subject of coffee, when did a black coffee become an Americano?

    I am told that during WWII American soldiers in Italy found the coffee too strong and used to have it watered down. So it's an espresso + water afaik


  • #201
    Spread
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,876 ✭✭✭Spread


    In most establishments over here ......... you're asked if you want coffee ....... then the waiter/waitress/barista pours a cupfull (free refills) ....... it's up to you to add the milk, honey, marshmallows etc. Unless you go to Starbucks. Perhaps that's why their stock is heading South :)


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