Hackneyed Phrases, Platitudes and Over: Used Words in the 21st Century

At the end of the day

This phrase, oft heard on television and probably means, “When things are said and done,” another hackneyed phrase which could mean, “When it’s over,” an Australianism best avoideded when writing. Try twist it around with, “At the end of the week,” or perhaps, “At the end of the year…!” Who knows?

Since the Great Depression

Let’s all relive the nineteen thirties. I salivate at ancient black and white photos depict queues of unemployed men drawing a stipend. Grey suits, dark images and the likes fill me with a sense of blandness that inspires me to quit my job. Terrible isn’t it.

Terrorist networks

How can a tactic have a network? Fooled by our politicians into believing that some amazing group of imbeciles has taken hold of our lives we are constantly defining the indefinable. A better idea would be naming something; an ideology or a state, perhaps, instead of this indefinable terrorist network.

I’m passionate!

Things have become increasingly more bland. American Idol hopefuls telling judges that they are, PASSIONATE. When they eventually rise to sing they sound like the last turkey that’s risen to sing. Next!

Glee

If I read about anymore glee I think I will pass out! When did fun turn from joy then into glee? Things have become so boring we cling to, “Glee” because we lack any at all. Uttering or writing the word glee over and over kills it for me.

Core

Everything has a core. Cores are really big these days – exhausted cores, downtown cores and apple cores? Perhaps writers mean, “centres,” or, “hearts.” Everything is so dessicated at the moment, maybe we find the comfort of the core reassures us, as it implies centering.

Moving on

Are people constipated? Can’t they stay still? Where are they going to? I’m sure people feel comforted by the fact that they are unable to concentrate for ten seconds so they are, “Moving on.” Also associated with, “Getting over it.” another catch phrase for the blame free.