Among ourselves, we passionately discuss the inane errors that regularly find their way into print. We enthusiastically debate whether media consumers are oblivious, complacent, or just too lazy to demand accuracy. We “tweet” one another links to glaring grammar gaffes, upload to “flickr” photos of misspelled billboard messages, and post to “facebook” examples of problematic punctuation. We are alternately amused and dismayed by the rampant incompetence of advertising agencies, communications directors, and reputable publishers. We have plenty to say!

This weblog will collect and critique public language blunders, so grab your virtual red pen and join the conversation:

21 January 2011

This ad gave me déjà vu all over again

"Irregardless" of what you think, "humorous redundancy" is an oxymoron. During a particularly frustrating grading marathon a few years ago, I began logging the circumlocution I found and stopped being amused by it. (Or should I say ceased and desisted?) Here are some common culprits:
  • 12 midnight/12 noon
  • added bonus
  • advance planning/advance warning
  • all over again
  • ask for by name
  • ATM machine
  • awkward predicament
  • basic fundamentals 
  • close proximity
  • complete stop
  • difficult dilemma
  • end result
  • estimated roughly
  •  filled to capacity
  • first and foremost
  • free gift 
  • frozen ice
  • general public
  • illegal discrimination
  • input into 
  • join together 
  • kill dead 
  • little baby
  •  live studio audience
  • meet together
  • natural instinct
  • never at any time
  • null and void
  • over and done with
  • overexaggerate
  • pair of twins
  • past experience/past history
  • PIN number/VIN number
  • plan ahead/preplan
  • poisonous venom
  •  reason why
  • refer back
  • regular routine
  • same exact
  • suddenly exploded
  • unexpected surprise
  • very pregnant
  • very unique

3 comments:

  1. Unknown21 January, 2011

    Well, to be fair, there are some really big babies out there - adults who act like babies and infants who are quite large.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mike P22 January, 2011

    A few more:

    GPS system
    ABS system
    "really true"

    ReplyDelete
  3. Roni05 February, 2011

    One of my most hated is "often times." Uh ... what?

    Another is "continue on." So many people use this. WHY?!

    ReplyDelete

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