Top 10: Most Overused Words

Andrew Chomik

Languages are some of human being's greatest creations. These sophisticated systems of communications that were developed over thousands of years in thousands of different communities around the world are a testament to the ability of the Homo sapiens' brain. So why, with all of our linguistic prowess and vocabulary variety, do we have to use words far more than they were intended? The English language is full of these, and much to our chagrin they’re prevalent and not going anywhere.

So, here is a list of today’s 10 most overused words that make your ears burn every time you hear them

Like

How this word is still used as a standard in the English language is astounding. People have been using the word like so liberally for the last 15 years that it’s become so commonplace no one even knows when they actually say it. It’s a sixth sense for scores of slang-tongued hipsters.

Originally used as an adjective to describe comparison, its slow and painful conversion to an interjection is now dominating conversations for any Gen X- or Y-er that grew up with two-star-rated (or less) dumb blonde movies. The only saving grace for this word is that when someone uses it too much, people will have no problem calling you out on it and exposing the below-average nature of this verbal ear sore.

Honorable mention

LOL
“Laughing out loud” or “lots of laughs” is probably the most popular acronym used by web-savvy keyboard warriors when instant messaging or chatting with friends online. Unfortunately, much like other viral software code, this short-form description has spiraled out of control as l33t speak on the internet (the actual term for internet “talk”). Now you can’t browse a web page or a blog without LOL being used somewhere, and thus aggravating proponents of proper e-English worldwide

Nice

Here’s another bit of verbal overkill that has unfortunately lost its purpose. This once-friendly word has now been turned into a fallback excuse to tell people you’re not interested in their conversation. A lot of people who can’t listen, or refuse to listen, will drop this after someone tells a story, gives an anecdote or makes a comment. “Nice” they’ll respond, as in “OK, I have nothing to say to that.” The worst part is when the listener uses it as a means to end the conversation or to indirectly suggest an end to the current conversation. For this reason, it’s become a form of excuse, and has now fallen into the realm of overused words -- and is a compliment no more. .