Sir, – Thank you to Frank Byrne (Letters, November 2nd) for reaching out and opening up to us with regard to his views on irritating phrases. One hopes he will find this process cathartic allowing him to move forward to a better place at this moment in time. – Yours, etc,
KIERAN McHUGH,
Howth, Co Dublin.
Sir, – On the topic of linguistic bugbears, why can’t a “job of work” simply be a job, and why can’t something “actioned” simply be done?
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BRIAN AHERN,
Clonsilla, Dublin 15.
Sir, – “I was sat there.” – Yours, etc,
NUALA QUINN, Carlow.
Sir, – Frank Byrne wonders if a support group would help, but I’m afraid it might turn into a “talking shop”. – Yours, etc,
PETER DECLAN O’HALLORAN,
Belturbet, Co Cavan.
Sir, – I am constantly bothered by “No disrespect, but…”
All too frequently the speaker then proceeds to show, at least, suspect respect in his/her ensuing argument or opinion. This self-absolving utterance must be banned from the get-go in any grown-up dialogue or debate. Oh! Sorry Frank. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL GANNON,
Kilkenny city.
A chara, – Some of my (current) “non-favourites” include “onboarding” (I keep thinking of waterboarding), the “squeezed middle” and “thrown under the bus”, which is obviously a very dangerous thing to do to anyone.
I’m sure Frank McNally is keeping an eye on this in case it “gets out of hand”. – Is mise,
SEÁN MISTÉIL,
An Charraig Dhubh, Co Bhaile Átha Cliath.
Sir, – The use of the phrase “uptick” really grates on me. Perhaps as your previous writer suggested we could form a support group but we could call it a support “cohort” instead! – Yours, etc,
MARY DUNNE,
Gormanston, Co Meath.
Sir,– “Needless to say” irritates me. If something is needless to say, don’t say it. – Yours,etc,
LIAM BREEN,
Rosslare Strand, Co Wexford.
Sir, – When did a request become “an ask” and when did a lesson become “a learning”? Now I think I’d better “chillax”. – Yours, etc,
TOM BLENNERHASSETT
Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.
