There is a definite baggage that hangs over the English language anymore. To borrow a tired phrase, "loaded words" populate much of our discourse anymore. And even though I enjoy quoting movies and songs as much as the next person (and usually more so), I can't help but think we've lost something (however minor) by not being able to say certain words or phrases.
Eight Words or Phrases Forever Ruined By Pop Culture:
1. "I just called to say I love you" - This 1980's Stevie Wonder hit is, let's be honest, god-awful in comparison to his earlier work. Even so, it's impossible to deny the wonderful sentiment that it conveys. But try saying this to someone without the awful song sticking in your head for the next few days.
2. "Just do it" - It may be the best ad slogan ever penned. And this is not because it represents the height of language, but because whenever anyone says it, outside of a Nike framework, it draws everyone back to that specific brand.
3. "Stop" - Question: How does a word like "stop" become ruined? Answer: M.C. Hammer, Vanilla Ice, and Diana Ross.
4. "I want the truth" - I challenge anyone to say this (even in the highest height of seriousness) and not silently hear the rejoinder: "You can't handle the truth!"
5. "Elementary" - It's totally demeaning and it has no correlative in the classic novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle but, my dear Watson, we're stuck with it.
6. "Domo arigato" - Mr. Roboto. STYX. 'Nuf said.
7. "Tastes great" - ...less filling," said all the dorks in the room.
8. "Gimme a break" - Kit Kat gave us not only one of the tastiest candy bars in history, but also one of the catchiest jingles ever written. Don't believe me? Gimme a break...
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