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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by trouble on February 10, 2002, at 16:57:56
"least favorite"
for
"most hated"
Posted by Shar on February 10, 2002, at 19:46:15
In reply to What's yer least favorite circumlocution? Mine:, posted by trouble on February 10, 2002, at 16:57:56
Posted by IsoM on February 11, 2002, at 1:15:19
In reply to Trouble--whut iz sircumlowkewshun? (nm), posted by Shar on February 10, 2002, at 19:46:15
Posted by IsoM on February 11, 2002, at 1:21:10
In reply to What's yer least favorite circumlocution? Mine:, posted by trouble on February 10, 2002, at 16:57:56
Though not strictly circumlocation, more like an oxymoron but I HATE "free gift" that advertisers use as an extra to get you to buy something. I mean how many people do you know that makes you *pay* for a gift?
For circumlocation, whenever I hear someone trying to sound pretentious talking about how this or that "impacted" on the situation, or on them, or for all I care, on their neighbour's dog's groomer's boyfriend. Aaarrckkk! Gag them, please!
Posted by trouble on February 11, 2002, at 11:00:27
In reply to Re: What's yer least favorite circumlocution? » trouble, posted by IsoM on February 11, 2002, at 1:21:10
Oh yes, "impacted" drives me up the wall too. Any time nouns are used as verbs and vice versa.
This is the main area I have problems with concerning the general public-if I'm in a bad mood I pick fights w/ strangers, and it ususally takes the route of correcting their grammar, ridiculing their word choice.Like when someone says
"I need you to..."
"I need you to stand in that line over there, I need you to sign this paper..."
The "nicest" way I can respond to that is to smile mournfully and drop my gaze, as if I'm too polite to look at the person in their moment of sheer pomposity.
How fearful we've become of saying "it is necessary that you sign these papers" or "this window is for xyz, the line YOU need forms to the right" or the one thing that makes me want to throw chairs thru the window is when the person serving you is not going to listen and you can tell before you start. So they answer a question you hadn't asked, as they were expecting a more typical inquiry than the one you presented. You knew this was going to happen b/c they were'nt paying attention. Happens to me on a frequent basis and it makes me insane.How 'bout this one? Friday I was meeting my SS Appeals attorney for the first time (an absolute dreamboat, but I digress), and his personal assistant handed me these forms to fill out. Fine. Then I asked another unrelated question about the next step in the procedure and she kept referring to these goshdamn forms, as if I could twinkle my nose like Samantha on Bewitched and complete them while standing before her.
Finally I said in a neutral tone (I hope!)
"I've heard that directive three times in as many minutes and it has registered. I'd like to move on now." And she looked up at me for the FIRST time I'd been "engaging" w/her. Startled rabbit expression in her eyes.
I made it a point to be extra friendly and polite for the rest of my stay, to try and show that I'm not just some glamourous, spoiled, beautiful bitch, but that I will say things to command respect when push comes to shove.This thread may sound pointless and winded, and it is, it is, but for me it's always a significant moment whenever I can PROACTIVELY IMPACT my environment w/out being mean.
Posted by Shar on February 11, 2002, at 11:57:54
In reply to Re: What's yer least favorite circumlocution? » trouble, posted by IsoM on February 11, 2002, at 1:21:10
Posted by IsoM on February 11, 2002, at 12:21:33
In reply to Re: What's yer least favorite circumlocution?, posted by trouble on February 11, 2002, at 11:00:27
You DO sound a lot like me. That's why I've learned to get their attention first. I had to do that with my middle son when he was small 'cause of his strong ADHD traits. I'd physically but gently restrain him, holding his hands in mine & make sure he kept eye contact with me. Somehow, that was very important. The I'd tell him in uncluttered language & have him repeat the points back to me. I treated him as I needed to be treated.
With people in public, I'll often say something sweet to them (but honest - not flattery. I hate flattery.), such as 'that colour looks so nice on you', etc. It's kind & surprises them so they really do listen to you afterwards.
I wish I knew now on how to deal with others when I was young.
Posted by IsoM on February 11, 2002, at 12:40:35
In reply to least favorite? Right-sizing for layoffs (nm), posted by Shar on February 11, 2002, at 11:57:54
But the expression 'right-sizing' is so correct, Shar! It becomes the *right size* for those who pocket the profits. :-(
Posted by jay on February 11, 2002, at 13:37:15
In reply to Re: least favorite? Right-sizing for layoffs » Shar, posted by IsoM on February 11, 2002, at 12:40:35
> But the expression 'right-sizing' is so correct, Shar! It becomes the *right size* for those who pocket the profits. :-(
Yes, SO true. Take it one step further..."right-wing" fits in there too. It's all part of the same thing. :-(...indeed!!Jay
Posted by Noa on February 12, 2002, at 18:37:20
In reply to Re: least favorite? Right-sizing for layoffs » Shar, posted by IsoM on February 11, 2002, at 12:40:35
I hadn't heard this one before and it sure does have that Orwellian ring to it! UGH.
Posted by Noa on February 12, 2002, at 18:49:18
In reply to Re: What's yer least favorite circumlocution?, posted by trouble on February 11, 2002, at 11:00:27
Thanks, trouble. I loved this story!!!
You should start up a school for assertiveness training. Seriously.
Funny, I have sort of given up the energy of my linguistic pet peeves because there are so many (and the list is growing!) that I think I just might go crazy!!
Or shall I say, "neologistic misuses of words such as 'impact' could be impacting my mental health"?
Another great one is applying the verb 'to grow' to inanimate objects or intangible concepts, as though these were the contents of everyone's post-modern kitchen gardens. Bill Clinton did this a lot.
Alas, I must admit that even I am guilty of adopting some of these new language trends even though I hate them!!! But I guess, such is the nature of language and language change, creeping into our everyday speech while we sleep.....Even the academie francaise can't keep the change from coming.
But that doesn't mean we have to like it, right?
Posted by Noa on February 12, 2002, at 18:52:12
In reply to Re: What's yer least favorite circumlocution?, posted by trouble on February 11, 2002, at 11:00:27
But there is a difference between the creeping neologistic misuses and what sounds to me like the more purposeful and cynical propaganda of eupemisms such as "right-sizing". Again, UGH. Just awful.
This is the end of the thread.
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