One Word Leads to Another…

One word leads to another. But we must choose our words wisely. I’ve been listening to and reading language over the last few weeks, and there are words, we have English speakers have made overused or cliché. This is true in any language, but I want to discuss a few of the overused words I have observed in the English language.  

We all do it. I know I have been guilty of it. If you’re stuck, search for an alternative. An online thesaurus is helpful. I use one often because I don’t want to be cliché. I am not perfect, and have fallen into the trap of some of these words. 

1. Important. Everything is important in today’s world. But is it? Yes, it is important to eat a good diet. Yes, things happening around the world are also important. Everything we think is important may not actually be, and what we think may be important, may not be to everyone else. Here are some alternatives: Essential, Educational, Meaningful, Serious, Influential, Decisive. 
2. Like- This word has been long overused. Especially by younger people. The word is easy to overuse. If you enjoy something, you like it. Often, like is overused as a preposition, too. “They were like siblings…” Often, it’s used as a filler word. It’s used too often. Some other words to use instead: Alike, Related, Close, Equal, Identical, Much the same. 
3. Random. Not everything that happens in life is a total coincidence. Your playlist randomly shuffles—or does it, it’s an algorithm. I feel I hear the same songs in the same order often. You don’t randomly find restaurants, or pennies on the ground. Those items are items you found. What to use instead: Accidental, Arbitrary, Incidental, Irregular, Unplanned, Odd. A better alternative? Delete random altogether. 
4. Literally. Similar to like, I believe this word is a filler used when people don’t know what word to use instead. The definition of literally, “in a way that uses the ordinary or primary meaning of a term or expression.” Most of us have been using the word literally incorrect all along. Avoid using this word, unless you are using it correctly. 
5. Great. Everything is great—that sounds great right? We use the word to describe something we bought, a vacation we went on, our friends, etc. Let’s try using other descriptors, such as: Beautiful, Wonderful, Talented, Entertaining, Clever—and the list goes on. 
6. Perfect. Everything can’t be perfect. Can it? Overusing perfect makes things seem less sincere—almost fake, really. Not everything can be perfect, so we should stop saying it is. Also, it’s on the slangy side of language. What to use instead: Excellent, Ideal, Impeccable, Superb, Accomplished, Faultless, Immaculate 
7. That being said. This is a big one on sports broadcasts. You don’t have to say that being said because you’ve already said it. Easy fix: don’t say it; it’s already been said. 
8. Kiddo- This one irks me. Why? I am not sure, but it does. What exactly is a kiddo? How did we lengthen a word with the slang? The word is childish. It’s especially childish when adults use it to refer to other adults (I.e. Chip Gaines calling Joanna Gaines kiddo, ick). The word also seems a little condescending. Let’s just call children kids or children. 
9. Gotcha. This is another one that irks me. My ears do not prefer the “ch” sound, so that bothers me. The word also seems lazy. Originally, the word meant to catch you, and it’s easy to see how it morphed and became popular, but the word is used too often. I suggest people stop using this one altogether. 
10. At the end of the day- Why do people use this phrase? The phrase usually has nothing to do with what they are talking about, and the phrase seems final for a casual conversation. Language doesn’t have to be overwrought with cliches to be casual. Again, this is another phrase I could be eliminated from our language repertoire. According to Grammarphobia, at the end of the day has been used for decades, and first citing can be traced to the 1880’s. It’s used to preface the speaker’s point or to highlight the “most important aspect of the situation” (Collins Dictionary). But no matter how long we’ve been using this phrase, we certainly have been using it too often. Try using other ways to get your point across. What to use instead: All things considered, Eventually, All said and done. 
11. Guys. I used to use this phrase all the time. Until I became aware that although it’s not meant to be harmful, the phrase has a masculine undertone to it, and not every girl wants the connotation the word brings. By definition, the word means “man.” I started trying to call everyone by their names to avoid overusing the phrase—yes, annoying and tedious, but I am not offending anyone in the omni offended world.  
12. Blockbuster. Is everything huge? This is another one used all-too-often in sports. Not everything qualifies as “a thing of great power or size.” Yes, a lot of things described as blockbuster fit that description, but let’s try alternatives: great, big, large, huge, etc.  
13. Amazing. The world is a good descriptor, but not for everything. If you’re looking for a general descriptor or superlative, why not go for more subtle-yet-reliable words? Truly describe what made the moment, experience amazing. What to use instead: Cool, Awesome, Wonderful, Pretty, Fun, Unusual. 
14. Unique. Unique is no longer unique. Especially if everything is described as unique. Saying everything is unique suggests you have nothing better to say. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, unique means “being the only one [….] ; distinctively characteristic”. If you’re describing something that really stands out, use unique, or rare, unusual, different, exclusive. And if that isn’t the case, say what it really is. 
15. Innovative/innovation. If you want to succeed in this world, your new product, program, project or creation has got to be innovative. But is it? Instead of overusing innovative, try to pitch your product or program in a more persuasive way. It might be new, clever, different. It might suggest a different approach. And if there is an innovation at the heart of what you just presented? We all want to be innovative, but we should be innovative with our language as well as our actions. What to use instead: Ground-breaking, Original, Cutting-edge, New. 
16. ASAP. Not everything has to be done immediately, even if it should be done in a hurry. We’re in the ASAP era, where everything should happen as soon as possible. We’re in such a hurry that we only have time for the abbreviation: Ey-Sup. But what does it really mean, and is your possible also my possible? If you want something done today, say it. If it’s urgent, state it. Clearly express what you need and want and remember not to rush through life. What to use instead: At your convenience, when you’re ready, what would be a reasonable deadline? 
17. Hit the ground running. The origin of this phrase is up for debate. Could it be paratrooper lingo, marine slang, or even cartoon inspired? No matter what you’re doing, you can say you’re ready without using this phrase. What to use instead: Be prepared, Make the necessary arrangements, Prepare in advance. 
18. On the same page. There are some situations where it might be good to be on the same page, but with your friends or co-workers try say something like: think alike, in agreement, or like-minded. 
19. Get the ball rolling. This phrase began with croquet, but has really nothing to do with the ways we (generally) use it: work, school, etc. It lacks originality to constantly use this phrase. What to use instead: Start, kick off, Get started, Roll-out. 
20. Game changer. Another great idiom, originally from the world of sports, where it’s appropriate. This phrase now describes every new product, business decision or political statement. Can the game change that often? Probably not. What to use instead: Original, Sophisticated, Smart, Promising. 
21. Basically. If you don’t know where to begin, basically it is a good way to start. But is it really basic, essential or elementary? Try removing it—and if the meaning has not changed, simply delete it. 
22. Actually. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, actually means “in fact or really.” Just like basically and honestly, one should question the need for using this word. Does it add anything to the meaning, the tone or the accuracy of your sentence? If it doesn’t, remove it. 
23. Honestly. If you want to sound credible, avoid using it honestly. The same goes for to be honest and its amplified version, to be brutally honest. If you’re telling the truth, no need to highlight it. Say it like you mean it, and you’ll be the trusted speaker you want to be. 
24. Goes. “And he goes, and she goes…” Where are people going when they talk? I just don’t understand this misspeak. If we slowed down, we wouldn’t use this one.
25. Seriously. Not everything that is sad needs to be dramatic or treated as such. When someone speaks, we do not need to question what they are saying–they’ve said it. If something they say is unbelievable, ask them to clarify the meaning for you to understand.

Writing and speaking fluently in a concise, fluent, and current manner isn’t an easy task. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of overusing words and phrases. Everyone has found themselves guilty of overusing words and phrases at times. As an editor, I am cognizant aware of when I write and speak, and I have still caught myself using these words and phrases in everyday speech and writing. The thing I want to say is aware. Try your best, and you will be (to use the cliché) one step ahead of the game.