Banished Words?

OK, this New Year some words and phrases from the English language should be put to rest – people are just sick of them. According to Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan those words or phrases that ought to be banished from TV, radio and generally the media are:

(1) ‘Surreal’ - why not 'dreamlike' or 'unbelievavble'? Hey, KTemoc suggests you ask a friend if he/she knows the meaning, and if they claim they do, ask them to define it - hmmm, wicked!

(2) ‘Breaking news’ - used to be 'Stop Press' in the olden days - perhaps use instead "I've just received a frightening piece of news" as in "Rafidah Aziz has been nominated by UMNO to be its President."

(3) ‘Person of interest’ - now is used to refer to more than just a criminal, and worse, implying the rest of us are bloody booring.

4) ‘Hunker down’ - strictly for Katrina's victims.

(5) ‘Designer breed’ - does this one mean a purebreed animal with a pedigree or someone in the clothes or shoes industry?

(6) ‘First-time caller’ - who the f**k cares?

(7) ‘Pass the savings on to you’ - what hugh conglomerates lie to you as they sacked their staff and further reduce services to you.

(8) ‘97% fat free’ - the other 3%?

(9) ‘An accident that didn’t have to happen’ - it's so idiotic that I can't even quip on it. But then again, you may wish to ask the Malaysian Human Resouce Minister?

(10) ‘Talking points' - still very popular with the military. I think those 'points' are meant for discussions? Perhaps 'ammo' for arguments?

KTemoc wants to add one more word/phrase that gets on my nerves every time a TV journalist or interviewer uses it – it’s ‘sense’ as in “What is your 'sense' of the whole affair?” or “What 'sense' do you obtained from the situation?”

Are they expecting the interviewee to be pyschic, like having a Sixth Sense?

I kid you not; virtually every TV interviewer in Australia and USA have used that word to death. OK, perhaps it’s now not so vogue but still pops up every now and then.

Why can’t they just say “What is you opinion?” or even “what is your feeling about ..... ?” But I sure as hell wouldn't like "What's your take on the affair?" It would be too Alexander Haig-ish!