Comments on: Thirteen Verbal Ticks That Really Bug Me

By: sivatmin

sivatmin — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:22:27 +0000

I am so glad to have found your site. I HATE verbal ticks myself. In fact, I think that I stand out at work because I try my hardest to eliminate them. Therefore, I am always asked to speak in front of people. They say I sound “brainy.” When I have to listen to someone with extreme verbal ticks, I tune out. Another pet-peeve I have is email and blog writings. People need to be aware of their writing skills. Some of things people say cannot be understood because of their poor writing skills. So, if they’re trying to make an intellectual point, it becomes irrevelant due to the pitiful writing skills. Thanks so much!

By: Shelley

Shelley — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 17:45:28 +0000

My bugaboo is “I could care less.” No, you couldn’t care less; if you could care less, then you do care. Arg!

By: Himself

Himself — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 02:32:46 +0000

I’ll have to do another one about slang that bugs me. “My bad” is kind of weird, but I used in in a hockey game just today. The first time I used it on my wife, she thought I was asking “Am I bad?” and responded “Yes.”

By: Redheaded Stepchild

Redheaded Stepchild — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 15:55:37 +0000

One phrase in particular has been getting on my nerves, although when used by stuffy suit-types it can be funny. Picture Dubya, as he leaves office-

“My bad…”

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:02:14 +0000

I doubt any human being could hit the nail on the head more than you have with this shortened thirteen. I salute you in particular for numbers 1 and 4.

#1 - How does a person develop the habit of contradicting themselves at the outset of every statement? I am particularly impressed by the cognitive gymnastics that are required when a person takes the next step into “Yeah, no, yeah. We plan to….” At some point that person must just admit that their speech no longer has meaning.

#4 – This one is interesting because I think it stems for serial lack of self esteem. People make statements that sound like questions because they don’t have courage of their convictions or (more frequently) they don’t have self-confidence. After having really watched people who do this, I think it is the verbal equivalent of not making eye contact.

Once again, fantastic post.

By: Drew

Drew — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 04:32:27 +0000

Very amusing. I do some of those at times and then want to kick myself afterwards. Tonight someone said to me, “Me and her done been seperated for two day. She livin’ back up there with her mama.” He didn’t have a problem saying me.

By: Wacky Mommy

Wacky Mommy — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 02:53:21 +0000

Um. Y’know, when my husband, like, makes fun of me? For my West Coast accent? Heh heh heh. You crack me up. Yes, please, to all of this.

By: witch dr

witch dr — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:57:47 +0000

listen, the Germans say something like “donk” instead of ‘uh’! I was trying to think of something to add to your list but it’s just not coming. the hour is late. 7 is a lucky # tho!
cheers:)