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Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,504
Registered: ‎05-23-2010

Any word or phrase that is used incorrectly, such that it is obvious that the user doesn't know the meaning and/or the correct/appropriate use.  People copy-use assuming the person they heard using a word/phrase is using it properly because they are a celebrity, on TV, a shopping channel host, etc; but not necessarily so. Please check.

Life without Mexican food is no life at all
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,102
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@Another new name Sue wrote:

This isn't a phrase used on QVC, but it makes me shudder everytime I hear it:

 

"drank the Koolaid"

 

It is used to express the idea that someone believed the story being told.  But in actuality, the phrase comes from the hundreds of people who died in Jonestown in the 70's after they drank poisoned Koolaid.  It's such a chilling, horrific event, that I don't believe the phrase should be used so lightly, or used at all.  I saw it used by a poster here today in connection with taking in a sales spiel and making a purchase.  I didn't want to call her out but it stuck in my mind.  She probably does not know where the phrase came from.


I have never used that phrase and have only heard it used maybe a handful of times....what I find interesting is where it came from...Never heard that story and I have been around since 1942.....That is really sad ...I am going to Google it to read of that tragedy...very sad...Thank you for mentioning it...

Valued Contributor
Posts: 795
Registered: ‎01-01-2014

Under this category do you not think that some words are spoken differently because of the part of the country a person is from?  I have 3 siblings and we all liv e in different parts of the country and pronounce words differently. 

 

I am not from the state I live in and some words here are spoken very differently from how I speak them.  I work with no undereducated people.  Certainly none of us were English majors and many of us probably struggled through English (such as me with Shakespeare).  .  

 

 

Certainly many words I am reading are over used and outdated (and I confess I use them which is why I am reading this). Most posts have no relation to how a word is pronounced which is why I am reading here.   I am learning.  

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,743
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@circles,

 

Before you read about Jonestown make sure your head is in a good place because the story is beyond tragic.

What is good for the goose today will also be good for the gander tomorrow.
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,102
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

My annoyance is not a word...but a phrase..."we didn't bring in many" seems like the Hosts use this with every product...just what DO they bring in MANY of...?????

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,102
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@Marp wrote:

@circles,

 

Before you read about Jonestown make sure your head is in a good place because the story is beyond tragic.


Thanks, Marp....

Valued Contributor
Posts: 795
Registered: ‎01-01-2014

@Marp wrote:

@circles,

 

Before you read about Jonestown make sure your head is in a good place because the story is beyond tragic.

 

VERY TRAGIC!!!!


 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,297
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@Marp

 

You are right. I don't think a November ever passes without me thinking of Jonestown.  I am from the Bay Area and still live there.  It was a horrific event. It is branded in my mind. I wouldn't want to use that term "drinking the kool -aid", and when I hear it my mind goes back to that day.  JMHO

“sometimes you have to bite your upper lip and put sunglasses on”….Bob Dylan
Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,504
Registered: ‎05-23-2010

Re: LATEST OVERUSED WORD

[ Edited ]

There is a valuable lesson in what happened at Jonestown that is still valid today. People back then were shocked that it could happen, and that it did happen. I think it's the same today - it could still happen, and even here in the US. It might help someone, somewhere, who doesn't know about it to read all about Jim Jones, the People's Temple, and Jonestown. You need to read the -*whole* story.

Life without Mexican food is no life at all
Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,747
Registered: ‎01-19-2015

"Heads will roll." HORRIBLE expression, in light of what's been happening in the world. It makes me shudder every time someone says this as a threat if someone doesn't do his/her job properly.

~~Be careful when you follow the masses. Sometimes the 'm' is silent.~~