Fall Book Discussion and Movie Series

TOP 10 MOST STUPID PHRASES

They are not only overused and lacking in originality, but many popular phrases and cliches indicate at the very least a poor command of basic English grammar and at worst mental laziness. In other words, say any of these and you'll just sound stupid. Writing in the Chicago Tribune, author T.R. Slyder has identified not only the worst offenders, but also created smarter-sounding alternatives. Here are the top 10 most stupid phrases:

1. "It is what it is."
Slyder's Substitute: Since "it is" = "it is," don't make the definition be the exact words of the words that are also being defined. Translation: Just don't say it!

2. "I don't give a rat's ass."
Slyder's Substitute: I don't care or just stare in stony silence.

3. "How do you REALLY feel?"
Slyder's Substitutes: "Say your thang, doggy!" "Easy, big tiger." "Deep breath." (And then demonstrate with an exaggerated deep breath).

4. "If someone would have told me a decade ago that in 10 years I'd be doing X, I would NEVER have believed it!"
Slyder's Substitute: There is no alternative. No one can predict the future. Just walk away.

5. "I could care less."
Slyder's Substitutes: "I could not care less." "I have never cared less about anything."

6. The formula of: "How X was Y?" As in "How funny was that?" or "How good was that steak?" or "How random was that?"
Slyder's Substitute: Turn your interrogative sentence into a declarative one by saying "That WAS funny" or "That steak was good" or "That was random."

7. "That is really unique."
Slyder's Substitute: Since "unique" means one of a kind, there cannot be degrees of it. "Really" has no place in this sentence. Use "unique, "original" or "one of a kind."

8. "The dog wants out."
Slyder's Substitute: "The dog wants to go outdoors."

9. "...It does. It really does."
Slyder's Substitute: Nothing!

10. "I am NOT a happy camper."
Slyder's Substitute: Say what you are and save everyone some time.