THE TOP 10 WORDS/PHRASES THAT SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE...or at least not included in your next script
BY DANI FAITH LEONARD
#10 – “We gotta get out of here.” – A friend of mine pointed out that this is the mark of a disappointing horror film. Only use this phrase if you desire to be campy! (People like campy, as long as you meant it.) Also in this category is when the young, sexy blonde actress says, “Did you hear that?” and then proceeds to search said sound in her underwear.
#9 – LOL – I have no problem when someone uses abbreviations like LOL in emails, texts, IMs, etc. I am a frequent user. However, if your characters say it out loud, they better be under the age of 15 or a flamboyantly gay man.
#8 – The same thing goes for OMG, BF, presh and adorbs.
#7 – Amazing – I can’t think of a more overused word than amazing. How many of the things that you call amazing are actually amazing? I had no idea how many people are easily amazed by everything. Let’s save this word for things that actually amaze you and also reintroduce words like fantastic and fabulous.
#6 – Literally – I can’t think of a more misused word than literally. “I was literally over the moon.” Really? I doubt it.
#5 – Shtup – The un-sexiest word for sex must be retired permanently. Eighty-year-old Yiddish-speaking grandparents can shtup, but not me. I hope you don’t shtup either. It sounds gross and conjures up images of old floppy skin. (I feel the same way about fornication and nookie).
#4 – Good/Bad – How boring can one be? When you or a character you are writing describes something as good or bad, it comes across as completely apathetic. Which is more interesting?
WOMAN: It felt really good to get out last night, even though the music at the club was pretty bad.
-Or-
WOMAN: It felt awesome to get out last night, even though the music at the club was completely shiteous.
#3 – Jackass and Asshole – These old insult words need to be retired. It’s not that they aren’t fun to say. It’s just that they no longer hold any weight. It’s time to move on! I personally like toolbag, jackhole and asshat.
#2 – “It’s not rocket science.” – Thanks. I am aware that whatever it is that I was talking about is not rocket science. Stop being a jackhole and wipe that smirk off your face.
#1 – VAJAYJAY – Oh, boy. I don’t even know where to begin. I can’t stand when women refer to their own vaginas as their “vajayjay.” If you ever refer to my beautiful lady parts as a “vajayjay” in bed, you will immediately be ejected. Women are beautiful! Stop making my glorious nether-regions sound like a big, fat lady! (“Beaver”, “bajingo”, “cooter”, and “snatch” will also grant you a ticket out of town.)
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