‘No disrespect, but…’ I hate it when you say that! Countdown’s Susie Dent reveals the phrases people hate, with ‘going forward’ topping the list of those many want eradicated from the English language
- The list of ten phrases includes ‘I’m not gonna lie’ and ‘I wanted to reach out’
Many of them are phrases and words from the world of business or from our friends on the other side of the Atlantic.
But what they all have in common is that they are becoming more than a little annoying – and most disliked of all, apparently, is the expression ‘going forward’.
Lexicographer and Countdown star Susie Dent appealed to her 1.1million Twitter followers for the unpopular words and expressions they believe should be eradicated from the English language. ‘Going forward’ – meaning ‘in the future’ – came top, followed by ‘no disrespect, but…’ and the use of ‘like’ as a filler.
Ms Dent, who leads Dictionary Corner on the Channel 4 show, tweeted: ‘“It is what it is”, “going forward”, “with all due respect”, “aw bless”… which phrase or expression would you like banished from the dictionary?’
Presenter Les Dennis, 69, was among those who replied with ‘for my sins’, while Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville, 59, suggested ‘at this point’ be included in the list.
A list of ten expressions that drive us mad, starting with ‘Going forward…’
Countdown star Susie Dent appealed to her 1.1million Twitter followers for the unpopular words and expressions they believe should be eradicated from the English language
Among other offerings were ‘At the end of the day’, ‘All I am saying…’, ‘S*** happens,’ ‘In that regard…’, ‘Lessons learned,’ ‘We are delivering,’ ‘Literally…’ ‘Awesome’ and ‘To be honest’.
Ms Dent, who studied modern languages at Oxford, described the responses as ‘excellent’, adding: ‘Happily, English is a democracy so it’s up to us.’
In 2017, she presented Channel 4 series Susie Dent’s Guide to Swearing, which explored the etymology and history of English swear words.
Ms Dent revealed she enjoys expletives and previously told The Times: ‘Some of my favourite words are swear words, which is probably why I enjoy Catsdown [8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown] so much…
‘F***” is an interesting word. It’s been around since the 16th century. Normally swear words go in and out of fashion, but that word still has the power to shock.’
