Word Weary

A couple of months ago, a friend emailed me to discuss words she was tired of hearing or reading. Turns out she had spent most of the weekend watching HGTV and had heard “repurpose,” “pop,” “open concept,” “hip” and the like too many times. This started us on a string of emails and texts regarding words and phrases that have had their time. Here are a few we’ve decided should be retired:

Cougar – when referring to an older woman who is attracted to younger men, or is on the prowl.

Diva.

________ Central – as in anyplace where there is an overabundance of something.

Ultimate or supreme anything.

Upcycling.

Steampunk.

Literally.

Women who refer to their close friends as “bitches” and “hos.”

Then there’s the vast list of words that are mashups of two words or names. Today I was reading the Wall Street Journal and was irritated when I saw the words “swacket” (for sweater jacket) and “shacket” (for shirt jacket). Have we just become so lazy as a society that we can’t actually spell out people’s names or items any more? Mashups I’m tired of seeing are: Lob (long bob), Shootie (shoe bootie), Jorts (jean shorts)and Jeggings (jean leggings. Don’t even get me started on celebrity name mashups such as ScarJo for Scarlett Johanssen.

Somehow I feel I’m not alone here. Thoughts? If you want to talk to me or Steve, just refer to us as “Stammy” or Tameve.”