WORD ABUSE: 7 annoying ways that people mis-use words

We all have a few of those Facebook friends who make us cringe to hell and back with their terrible statuses, which more often than not, include a simple word which has been abused by that person and used in an incorrect way. Unfortunately, it does not end on social media. Many people use these words and phrases in public too, which is even more embarrassing.

Here are 7 annoying ways that people mis-use words.

1. I can’t be asked

“I really can’t be asked to walk to McDonald’s, I’ll get a Dominos delivery instead”

Why could somebody not ask you?  Did they have selective mutism? Or were you talking to your dog?

What you mean to say is “arsed/assed”, which in itself doesn’t make sense, but slang is a totally different matter. 

 2. Literally

“Mate, I was literally dying!”

Don’t get me wrong, we all love a little bit of exaggeration, but if someone responds “Oh gosh, how awful! We must do something about this!” they have most probably taken what you have said literally. Use this word when something is actually happening.

I am literally telling you right now how to use this word.

3. Defiantly 

“Will you be my bridesmaid?” “Yes! Defiantly!”

This might upset the Bride- to- be. You mean definitely, which means certainly. To be defiant means to be resistant. If you really don’t want to be bridesmaid, just tell her “no”, sista.

4. Generally

“I was generally touched by the story of the earthquake survivor.”

I think you mean “genuinely”, which means you truly were affected, rather than just a general feeling of sadness, which is much less effective.

5. Should of 

A: “You should of made more friends at school.”

B: “You should have gone to school, bro.”

6. Pacific

“I love Asian food, pacifically Thai Green Curry.”

The Pacific is a huge ocean between the Americas and Asia.

You mean specific, which means to be particular, or refers to a particular thing. So when we talk about the Pacific Ocean, we could discuss the North, or the South Pacific Ocean- to be specific.

7. Their, there, they’re

Their ownership of the house has ceased.

There are beautiful places to visit in Italy.

They’re the type of people to always turn up late.

A very good (explicit) representation of this is given here.

Sorted. Literally.