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It should be no surprise then, that we are told time and again to choose our words well. I have also realized over the years, I am sure all of us have, that we like and dislike some words more than the others.
So here is my question for you: What is your least favorite word? (Use this link to let me know!)
Mine is the word almost.
I do not like it because it conveys the story but in a very non-transparent way. Consider the following statements that have "almost" in them:
- The project was almost successful.
- Your child is almost walking.
- I was almost on time for the meeting.
- I almost followed the rule, or
- I am almost certain of it.
All these statements, apart from having the word almost in them, have something else in common. They do not really mean anything. At least not what they are supposed to mean.
An almost successful project could be a failure. An almost timely arrival to a meeting will still not be called professionalism. Almost following the rule and driving over the speed limit, for example, might still get you a well deserved speeding ticket. Almost certain still makes us unsure.
Both leadership and parenthood force us into situations where we can make mistakes. I have never been against failure or making mistakes. What I dislike, at a very personal level, is being indecisive about something. So here is a tip: When you are unsure of what to do, read and learn about it as much as you can, and then make a decision and no matter what happens, learn from it.
What other words do you think should just not exist?
I hate the word-Whatever said often by teens today
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading the post and sharing your thoughts Nima. I agree with you. I hate in the context that "whatever" is being used these days. In the same breath the word "like" also makes a part of the same list. It is almost used as a filler now.
DeleteAaawww, i really like 'almost'...you could have almost spoiled it for me :))
ReplyDeletemy least favourite words all belong in the slang category and it's disheartening to see some of them being accepted in dictionaries. no wonder all my favourite words belong to the centuries past!
and i really believe almost (yes i use it a lot) all words can be misused intentionally or unintentionally depending on the speaker's intent
Also want to add that you have a nice blog Piyoosh, i read whenever i can but am not always courteous enough to leave a comment! i especially like the fact that you are consistent and punctual with your writing, traits i sorely lack and admire in others!
Roopali, good thing I only "almost" spoiled it for you! It is just one of many words that I do not like. Words, of course in a particular context, like "whatever", "like", "automagically" also make the list. Thank you for the comment on the consistency of the blog too. That is more a me thing. If I do not commit to a time to do something (in this case writing for the blog), I usually do not get to doing it.
DeleteMy least favourite word? "Dunno", as if "I am sorry, I don't know" is even too much effort for an answer. The apathy, the lack of interest, the arrogance... Yes, it could be something you do not know. But at least take the effort to say that with a full sentence...
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading the post and sharing your thoughts Annemart. I am not a huge fan of "slang" anyways. So, words like "dunno" do irritate me. What bothers me more is how that can be hidden with "you do get the meaning so why use big words".
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