Strange

Most Annoying Word: 'Whatever' Voted Top

by candice.tsuei | October 9, 2009 at 03:44 pm

317 views | 20 Recommendations | 3 comments

The popular term "whatever" has been voted the most annoying word in English, according to a recent survey by the Marist Institute for Publi Opinion, beating "anyway" and phrases including "it is what it is" and "you know."

"What we chose were words that were used as 'dismissive,' " said Mary Azzoli, the institute's media director. "We chose words that we felt were overused."

Nearly half of people surveyed voted "whatever" to be the least tolerable word, across all regions of the nation, among both sexes, all age groups, educational levels, and income brackets.

"It is used so often in terms of casual conversation. Also, when you think of the meaning behind it, it is often a way to dismiss someone. It is irritating in that regard. It is much more off-putting compared to any of the other statement we asked," she added.

A quarter of people selected "you know" as the most bothering phrase in the English language, while "it is what it is" annoys eleven per cent, and "anyway" comes in a close third of seven per cent. "At the end of the day," a notorious cliché used popularly in the U.K. especially amongst footballers, also appeared on the list with only two per cent of the people surveyed wanting to ban it.

"In order to be a good conversationalist, the key is to always be aware of what you are saying and maybe to do a little research about which words are overused," Miss Azzoli added.

What is on your list? What words/phrases annoy you the most?

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend Add a comment

René

at 22:21 on October 9th, 2009

Whatever, darling.

Hugh Askew

at 04:31 on October 10th, 2009

It may well be the most annoying.

Like, on the other hand, is like, the most used, undoubtedly, and like, overlooked because because, like, it is just so very common.

But teenage girls like that.

jakesylvester1

at 10:00 on October 13th, 2009

I wonder if "We'll touch base later" or "Just", which never goes out of usage, were ever on the list. I used to employ "Just" far too often, and wrongly in terms of definition. What I specified by that word was never really all I wanted to say; but "Just" was a comfortable way to slip into or start a conversation. Probably not as annoying to most, because we overlook it. The first one is probably a sports analogy, and was acceptable for me when it was used in business lingo, but then it crossed into everyday use. Another annoyance is "Cutting-edge" which has largely decreased in usage. And I must admit, a word I use to end correspondance or even a phone call is "anyways". It has become a bad habit of mine. Anyways. . . .