pesky words!

What is a word you feel that too many people use?

Hey lovely readers! Tina here, and today, let’s dive into something that’s been bugging me for quite a while – overused words. You know, those words that pop up in every conversation, every text message, every social media post. Don’t get me wrong, I love the English language, but sometimes it feels like we’re stuck in a verbal loop. So, grab a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever tickles your fancy, and let’s chat about the words we use way too much. I’ve got 60 of them for you, with a deep dive into each one. Ready? Here we go!

1. **Literally**

   – Ah, the classic. People use “literally” to emphasize their point, but more often than not, they use it incorrectly. “I literally died laughing.” Did you now? Because it seems to me you’re still breathing. 

2. **Basically**

   – This word is a crutch we lean on to simplify explanations. But do we really need it? “Basically, it’s like this…” Just get to the point!

3. **Like**

   – The filler word of the century. “I was like, and she was like, and then we were like…” It’s become a verbal tic that we could do without.

4. **Awesome**

   – Everything is awesome, but if everything is awesome, is anything truly awesome? Overusing this word dilutes its meaning.

5. **Amazing**

   – Much like “awesome,” “amazing” has lost its sparkle. Not everything can be amazing, folks.

6. **Literally**

   – Yes, it’s here again because we really need to stop and think before we use it. “I literally can’t even.” Can’t even what?

7. **Epic**

   – Every minor event is now “epic.” Did you have an epic sandwich for lunch? Really?

8. **Honestly**

   – When you start a sentence with “honestly,” it makes me wonder if everything else you said was dishonest.

9. **Absolutely**

   – We use “absolutely” to reinforce our point, but it’s often unnecessary. “Do you want to go out? Absolutely!” Just a simple “yes” would do.

10. **Totally**

    – Similar to “absolutely,” “totally” is used for emphasis but can be redundant. “I’m totally going to the gym.” Well, are you going or not?

11. **Seriously**

    – Another word we use to stress our seriousness. “Seriously, you need to try this.” Just tell me what you want to say.

12. **Actually**

    – “Actually” is used to correct someone or assert a fact, but it’s often overused. “Actually, it’s pronounced ‘niche.’” I got it, thanks.

13. **Just**

    – It’s a minimizing word that makes our statements less assertive. “I just wanted to say…” Own your words!

14. **Look**

    – Starting a sentence with “look” can come off as confrontational. “Look, we need to talk.” Just talk to me.

15. **Whatever**

    – It’s dismissive and shuts down the conversation. “Do whatever you want.” How about some constructive feedback instead?

16. **Definitely**

    – We often use “definitely” to show certainty, but sometimes we overdo it. “I definitely need a vacation.” Don’t we all?

17. **So**

    – “So” is often used as a filler at the beginning of sentences. “So, I was thinking…” Just start with what you were thinking!

18. **Really**

    – We use “really” to add emphasis, but it can be redundant. “I’m really excited!” Just say you’re excited.

19. **Very**

    – Similar to “really,” “very” is often unnecessary. “This is very important.” How about just important?

20. **Quite**

    – “Quite” is used to temper statements but often adds little. “I’m quite tired.” How about just tired?

21. **Actually**

    – Here it is again because it’s overused. “Actually, I think…” Just think it!

22. **Obviously**

    – Starting statements with “obviously” can sound condescending. “Obviously, we need to finish this.” Maybe it’s not obvious to everyone.

23. **Literally**

    – Yes, again. Use it correctly or not at all.

24. **Basically**

    – Again, simplify without saying “basically.”

25. **Like**

    – Still here, still annoying. “It’s like, you know…” No, I don’t know. Explain it to me.

26. **Totally**

    – “I’m totally going to stop using this word.” Are you?

27. **Amazing**

    – Amazing things are becoming less amazing with every overuse.

28. **Awesome**

    – Awesome is being watered down by frequent use.

29. **Honestly**

    – Honestly, it’s overused.

30. **Absolutely**

    – Absolutely, it’s redundant.

31. **Seriously**

    – Seriously, it’s tiring.

32. **Actually**

    – Actually, let’s stop.

33. **Just**

    – Just be confident without the “just.”

34. **Look**

    – “Look” can be seen as aggressive. Try a softer approach.

35. **Whatever**

    – Apathy isn’t attractive. Engage in the conversation.

36. **Epic**

    – Not everything is epic. Reserve it for truly grand moments.

37. **Obviously**

    – “Obviously” can be condescending. Be mindful.

38. **Definitely**

    – We use it to sound sure, but it’s often redundant. “I definitely agree.” Just agree!

39. **So**

    – “So” is a filler. “So, let’s get started.” Just start!

40. **Really**

    – “I’m really tired.” Just tired is enough.

41. **Very**

    – “Very” often doesn’t add much. “Very happy.” Just happy will do.

42. **Quite**

    – “Quite” can be vague. Be specific.

43. **Honestly**

    – If you have to preface with “honestly,” rethink your statement.

44. **Absolutely**

    – “Absolutely” is often overkill.

45. **Actually**

    – “Actually” often adds little.

46. **Basically**

    – “Basically” is often unnecessary.

47. **Like**

    – “Like” is filler. Be concise.

48. **Totally**

    – “Totally” can be redundant.

49. **Amazing**

    – Amazing should mean amazing, not just good.

50. **Awesome**

    – Awesome should be awe-inspiring, not just nice.

51. **Seriously**

    – “Seriously” is often overkill.

52. **Literally**

    – Use it correctly or not at all.

53. **Just**

    – “Just” weakens statements. Be confident.

54. **Look**

    – “Look” can be confrontational. Be gentle.

55. **Whatever**

    – “Whatever” is dismissive. Engage more.

56. **Epic**

    – “Epic” should be reserved for grand things.

57. **Obviously**

    – “Obviously” can come off as rude.

58. **Definitely**

    – “Definitely” is often redundant.

59. **So**

    – “So” is filler. Just speak your mind.

60. **Really**

    – “Really” often adds little.

So there you have it, folks. Sixty words we use too much and why they drive me up the wall. It’s funny how we latch onto certain words and can’t let go, isn’t it? But maybe, just maybe, we can become more mindful of our language. After all, words are powerful, and using them wisely makes our communication more meaningful. Until next time, keep chatting, keep laughing, and keep it real – without overusing those pesky words!

Love, Tina




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