Mar 10 2004
Word pirates
Word pirates lists words and phrases that have…
… been twisted by a political or commercial group for their own selfish purposes. The hotel industry knew what it was doing (well, probably) when years ago it decided that it would call its patrons “guests.” Sounds good, but it means the opposite.
Words are pirated in order to change our way of thinking without earning it. Pirated words try to put something over on us.
Words are pirated in order to change our way of thinking without earning it. Pirated words try to put something over on us.
Here are some examples:
- Basically: Basically, the word has become the replacement for "UMM…" in people who are stalling to collect their thoughts and want to sound more erudite. It is supposed to mean that the speaker has condensed a confusing topic. Instead, it basically has nothing to do with what is being said at all.
- No problem: It is an appalling statement of egotism on the part of the service provider and any customer service trainer worth their salt should ban its use
- At this time: It means "now", but is often not even necessary. It is a sample of the fluffy polysyllabic blather that keeps replacing concise, useful words.
- Proactive: To act before you act? A consultant-babble term — the opposite of react is act.
I found an interview with the guys who created the site.
