A couple of weeks ago, Merriam-Webster on Monday announced “pandemic” as its 2020 word of the year. I don't think any of us was surprised by this. However, it had me thinking about the words and phrases that have come to be quite popular in 2020.
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| Photo by Pixabay from Pexels |
Here are the top five words and terms that have become popular to use -- and that personally make me want to scream -- in the year 2020!
1. “Sorry but...”
No, just no. Folks, you cannot follow up an apology with a “but”. I'm really tired of hearing folks says things like, "I'm sorry that happened to you, but..." or "I'm sorry I said that but..." When did this phrase ever become acceptable?! It immediately puts the receiver in fight mode. The word “but” negates what you said prior to it.
2. “No matter what side you’re on...”
Words I wish would go away because we all know that what is followed is still going to be a one-sided political comment. In my experience, there is always an angle. This phrase doesn't make it less offensive.
3. "Expert"
The year 2020 has made us question everything and everyone. We (and by we, I mean me too, I’m guilty) questioned Dr Fauci and his handling of Covid. But let's face it; is hard to trust any expert today because everyone claims to be an expert. Political experts. Medical experts. Social media experts. God, they’re everywhere.
4. “Unprecedented”
Can I go one day without hearing the term “unprecedented” on the TV? My hubby is so over this word and now I’m aware of it's overuse as well. Unprecedented time. Unprecedented election. Unprecedented protests. Unprecedented game.
5. ”Friends”
I think this term is used way too loosely in 2020. So when social media, specifically Facebook, first came out we started “finding friends“. But am I really “friends” with that neighbor three streets over who I’ve never met in person? Or what about the “friend” who ended up unfriending me on social media because we have different political views? The term used to mean mutual admiration and trust, but yea, 2020.
