9 Words That Don’t Mean What You Think, from Cracked.com
Posted on November 16th, 2007 by Kristen King
I found this collection of 9 words that are frequently used incorrectly from Cracked.com on StirrdUp this morning. But more than a standard commonly misused words (think what you see in the back of a steno pad), there’s extensive hilarious commentary and a ratings scale for how much of a moron you are for using it wrong, which I find quite funny, intellectual snob that I am.
Here are the words:
- Irregardless (my pet peeve)
- Peruse
- Ironic
- Pristine
- Nonplussed
- Bemused
- Enormity
- Plethora
- Deceptively
Confess: Have you used any of these words incorrectly? Leave a comment.
Like this post? Tip your waitress! Er, um, favorite blogger.Filed under: Fun stuff, Recommended reading
So I’m not the only one that does that?! Whew! I am genuinely enjoying your blog and find it very practical, insightful and inspiring!
Keep on writing!
- Jo
http://followtheroadlesstraveled.blogspot.com
Hysterical! I have been guilty of misusing “pristine” in the past. No longer!
And I’ve always hated “irregardless” and the misuse of “ironic” (that damn song drives me crazy!)…
I hate the use of “irregardless” as well. Another thing I hate is when people try to use myriad like plethora. With plethora you say, “…a plethora of ____.” You don’t say “a myriad of,” but most people use it like that. Grrr.
These are great reminders. I almost used “plethora” incorrectly today but luckily I didn’t and now I never will!
-Melissa Donovan
Writing FORWARD
[...] 9 Words that Don’t Mean What You Think at InkThinker. [...]
I cringe when I hear “irregardless”
People pretend to be smarter than they are, only showing the reality.
[...] If you liked my post about “The Things you Write in Your Blog that Make You Look Like a Moron,” then you’ll probably also enjoy InkThinker’s post on the “9 Words that Don’t Mean What You Think.” [...]
Hi Kirsten,
Great post.
I Never thought much about irregardless but I’ve always hated nonplussed.
If I’ve EVER misused any of those words, well what can I say? A wise old fella once said - if you haven’t made any mistakes today it’s because you haven’t done enough.
God bless,
Andy