Why I Hate Slang: The Case Against Modern English Usage

Introduction

Ever stumbled upon the term ldquo;doperdquo; or ldquo;sucksrdquo; while browsing through social media or engaging in casual conversations? Chances are, you would find these words rather off-putting, given their once-offensive connotations and ongoing misuse. I, too, share this sentiment. Specifically, I abhor certain terms like ldquo;doperdquo; and ldquo;sucks.rdquo; These, and other contemporary slang terms, can be seen as pollutants of the English language, evolving from the desire to shock or to simply fit in with the crowd. In many cases, they are employed without much thought, leading to a dilution of the language's overall quality.

Note: These observations come from the perspective of the late 1940s to the 1950s, when the word ldquo;coolrdquo; began to describe something enjoyable. Since then, we have witnessed significant changes in slang, and the resonance of these terms may have evolved.

Common Slang Phrases I Disapprove Of

Here are a few common slang phrases that are particularly distasteful to me, and why:

1. ldquo;Anywaysrdquo; vs ldquo;Anywayrdquo;

A catch-phrase that has become synonymous with American casual speech is ldquo;anyways.rdquo; However, I find this to be utterly inappropriate. The correct way to say it is ldquo;anyway.rdquo; This error in spelling is often unintentional, but in my world, it screams ldquo;uncool.rdquo;

2. ldquo;Can I getrdquo; vs ldquo;Can I haverdquo;

Another phrase that annoys me is ldquo;Can I getrdquo; instead of ldquo;Can I have.rdquo; The former implies that you are going to fetch the food yourself, which is not only incorrect but also rude. This phrase provides an unnecessary complication in a simple request and can be seen as a sign of laziness or lack of consideration.

3. ldquo;Now thatrsquo;s what Irsquo;m talking aboutrdquo;

This is a phrase that I find particularly grating. It implies continuity or previous mention, but in most scenarios, it is used without any such context. For instance, when a sightly ridiculous occurrence, such as a large dog-shaped balloon exploding with fireworks, is witness to, this phrase would be entirely out of place. It oversimplifies and downplays unique and memorable experiences, stripping them of their individuality.

Additional Pet Hates

A few examples of words and phrases that I particularly dislike:

1. ldquo;Innitrdquo;

This is a pet peeve of mine, particularly when it is used as a filler at the end of a sentence. It is also completely meaningless and needless. The phrase ldquo;Brovrdquo; is another one, but for distinction, it is not directly a slang term, but rather juvenile language.

2. Overuse of ldquo;Likerdquo;

Perhaps the most egregious habit I observe is the overuse and misuse of the word ldquo;like.rdquo; This trend has been going on for years and often comes from young people. For example, instead of saying ldquo;I plan to buy some new clothes, rdquo; they might say ldquo;Like, I was going to like buy some like new clothes.rdquo; The phrase not only detracts from the quality of the language but also leaves the speaker sounding rather thick and unprofessional. It is a matter of personal choice, but I believe that such language does a disservice to the social discourse.

Now, let me take a moment to express my annoyance at how millennials refer to me as an outdated and out-of-touch individual. It is a real pet peeve for me. Their constant use of these terms and their overall attitude often seem to reflect a lack of understanding of the language and its history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while slang can be a vibrant and evolving aspect of any language, its misuse can detract from the richness and clarity of the language. My disdain for these phrases and words is not about stating that English language is perfect or unchanging, but rather, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful and effective communication. We must strive to use language in a way that is not only clear but also respectful and considerate of the listener.