Cliches, Annoying Cliches and Even More Annoying Cliches

    Now, cliches that aren’t necessarily sports-related, but could (and probably eventually will) be. “Nuanced.” I think this one sounded really intelligent to someone and they decided to use it. It is pretty cool-sounding, just use it sparingly. “It is what it is.” Aaaaargh. This totally ridiculous cliche is also used often in sports. Basically, when the person can’t think of an explanation or reasoning, they pull this one out. “Think outside the Box.” For some reason I associate this with fast food. Maybe it’s a “chicken-egg” thing. Either way, it’s overused.
“Keep it real.” Ohhhhhh-K. “Ballpark figure.” This is a sports-related reverse-usage cliche. It’s replaced “round estimate” and falls into the category of “Use in moderation.” “Wow factor.” Probably originated on some ‘TMZ’-type panel in a discussion of hairstyles or a red-carpet entrance. “I am so not” followed by whatever it is the person’s referring to. Apparently a ‘Valley-Girl’ derivative, as is the mispronunciation of “didn’t.” (”No she dihhhhn’t!”) I don’t even know how to type it. “I haven’t seen you in a minute!” I don’t know if this is derived from hip-hop but the ones I’ve noticed using it all appear to be “of” that genre. “Back in the day.” This isn’t so bad but I’ve noticed that I’ve heard people using it in reference to 1995 for crying out loud. “Perfect storm.” I guess this applies to certain situations. It’s used too much. Why is the . taking the place of the – in phone numbers? This annoyed me from the start. (or “from the jump.” Bonus cliche) I mean, hasn’t the – been perfectly satisfactory for over 100 years? I’m guessing it’s a computer thing. Crowds at a concert who think it’s so cool to “wave” their arms during a ballad. I despise that. (God, I’m beginning to sound like Andy Rooney). Audiences that applaud when an artist is performing a serious work. (This is rampant on the so-called “Talent” programs). Audiences that applaud (on sitcoms) when a familiar character enters. (Kramer, Larry, Darrell and Darryl, etc. Yes, I’m dating myself).

    I’m finishing with my two (so far) least favorite cliches. These two, in my observation are by far the worst offenders and if I never hear either of them again, I’d die a semi-happy man.

    Runner-up is “Having said that,” with variations such as “With that being said,” and “After having said all that.” This one is fairly recent, but it’s certainly made up for it’s late start. Used most often after someone (usually by a sports ‘color guy’ or a commentator) relates “facts” that are pure conjecture and could, at any moment, be disproven. It’s sort of a “CYA” technique, letting the listener, or reader know that the user has all the bases covered.

    And the winner by a country mile, or a landslide, or a (choose your own cliche), and it’s been reigning champion for several years is, “At the end of the day.” I don’t have enough time or hard drive space to document all of the wasted air time or paper or bandwidth this beyond-overused cliche has used up. Everyone from George W. Bush to the homeless guy I see every day standing outside the store I frequent has used this one. And what REALLY annoys me about it is HOW it’s used. I’ve noticed that someone will say “At the end of the day,” and then pause, as if to let everyone listening know that what’s coming next HAS to be Gospel, because they said, “At the end of the freaking day!”

    So there you have it. And, in the immortal words of ….. I’m not even sure but I like it, “The words themselves aren’t the problem. The lack of ideas is.” I think the most appropriate way to close is:

    After having said all that, at the end of the day….. it is what it is…. you know what I’m saying?