The ten most irritating phrases
In 2008 researchers at Oxford University listed the ten most irritating phrases:
1 – At the end of the day
2 – Fairly unique
3 – I personally
4 – At this moment in time
5 – With all due respect
6 – Absolutely
7 – It’s a nightmare
8 – Shouldn’t of
9 – 24/7
10 – It’s not rocket science
I’m not guilty of any of these crimes against the English language. Though I may have uttered 10 in jest a few times because the last place I worked in the UK before emigrating to New Zealand was the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. At the time it was a rocket science establishment.
It's hard to believe the compilers didn't include 'game changer' which is both irritating and a cliché. Perhaps it wasn't so overused in 2008.
My other personal hate is going forward sometimes used as moving forward. Do you have a phrase you hate?
Originally via Oxford compiles list of top ten irritating phrases – Telegraph but I saw it at The Enquiring Mind.