Researchers at Oxford University have compiled a list of the most irritating words and phrases in the English language, or at least its British variant.
They published their work in Damp Squid, a book named after the widespread confusion over squid and squib (a mistake we must have made a thousand times.)
It’s not quite clear from the Telegraph what standards the study used. Did a particular word annoy the entire British empire (such as it is), or just the UK? Or just Oxford, or Lynne Truss, or a couple of hung-over freshmen?
Ready?
At the end of the day
Fairly unique
I personally
At this moment in time
With all due respect
Absolutely
It’s a nightmare
Shouldn’t of
24/7
It’s not rocket science
Relax, says Strong Language. There are plenty of more annoying words and phrases.
Here’s the biscuit
A certain Atlanta business writer said we may be facing a language disaster:
“I personally agree — for now. At this moment in time their list is fairly unique but at the end of the day it won’t be. Why? It’s not rocket science. Tomorrow every nitwit on the Google will be repeating these things 24/7.
“Was it irresponsible to publish it? Absolutely. With all due respect to Oxford, it’s a nightmare we don’t need. They shouldn’t of done it.”
