Hackles rising

[TickleTheCat]

What are the 2 errors most used in our language that really make your hackles rise? Mine is 'bought' and 'brought' and the worst in my book is 'specific' and 'Pacific'.
A woman at work has just said that she 'brought' her new shoes from...... ARGHH

[scousejones]

Specific & Pacific. Some years ago, a group of my colleagues and myself were poring over a certain document when the bossman suddenly said ,"We need a so-&-so for this", and one of his toadies chirped up, I've got the Pacific thing". Quick as a flash, the Bossman retorted, "Hawaiian get it , then"

[nightmare]

To dundurn.
yes, very few people seem to know how to use affect and effect correctly.
However, an instance arose once where the incorrect word was used, but in context, it still made perfect sense.
It was the title of a presentation given by someone who worked for a paint manufacturer. It was
"Factors EFFECTING Surface Finish".
He meant factors which have an effect, i.e. which AFFECT it, but in this case, those factors actually do EFFECT surface finish, i.e. bring about the characteristics of the surface finish.
When I explained this to him, he seemed nonplussed.

[WaldoMcFroog]

The thing that really sets my teeth on edge is people conflating superlatives.

It's not the "most biggest", it's the "biggest". Either something is the biggest item in a set, or it's not. It's not "more bigger" either, it's just "bigger".

[Loosehead]

I know what you mean Waldo, one of my favourites is the ever popular "Free Gift" !

[nightmare]

How about
New Improved ......
It can only be one or the other, not both.
If it is improved, there must be an original, unimproved version, therefore it cannot be new.

[EngTeach]

jno- I'm missing your point. Forgive me it's Friday of looooong week. :)
Tracy

[stanwixman]

People who say i was learnt this or he learnt me that etc- its taught , and people who say sustificut instead of certificate

[Honeydumplin]

"With regards to" instead of 'regard' - two entirely different things!

[taliesin238]

The specific and pacific one is my personal pet hate, however i always have to laugh when i hear 'pacific' cos it reminds me of del boy from only fools and horses!! I love him!

[FoxLee]

One that irritates me is when I hear different than instead of different from.

What about the advert. that kills 99% of known germs DEAD. And the other way to kill them would be?

[stanwixman]

People who say burmanam instead of BIRMINGHAM!!!!!! why why oh why

[Mrspattypaws]

I used to work with someone who was always saying she was "unindated" with calls!! Always made me laugh, but I really have to think before I say it!!

[Mazmo]

I hate the expression - 'I gave it 110%' Impossible, surely?

[Mazmo]

I've just thought of another phrase I hear all the time that infuriates me - 'for free' as in 'you can have it for free'

[smeghead81]

seen a poster that reads 'loose' instead of 'lose' when it was on the subject of mislaying something.. that irritates me!