What Phrases or Words Irritate You?

Measure thrice.

 

Then, which of the three do I use?

 

"Trust me."

 

An average?

Just kidding. If one has measured correctly, a second measurement should match exactly.

 

"Any who"

My oldest son uses this periodically ..... I tell him he sounds like an idiot that lives in Whoville.

 

"human capital"

 

"merch" and "vacay"

 

And there is the problem. I’m not very good at measuring and that advice hasn’t helped me to improve my skills.

 

I'll come at that from a Christian perspective. We believe anything and all we have are from God. When we say someone is gifted, we are recognizing God at work in their life, giving glory to Him, and them being a willing vessel for God to use and work through.

 

Okay, I'll go there.

Believe it or not, I too am coming at it from the same perspective--that is, a true gift demands a Giver. Which is precisely why I dislike the common, vaguely religious and careless usage.

Think of all the uncomfortable questions it raise about God, if taken literally. Consider not only those who are purportedly gifted (ex., "gifted" students vs non-gifted or special ed ones...a very thorny issue to bring God into) but also those widely said to be "gifted," many of whom publicly thank Him for their "gifts."

What do all such gifts appear to be?

An attractive outward appearance, judged by worldly standards. Perfect musical pitch or rhythm. Athletic reflexes. Commanding height. Physical strength and speed. High IQ. Ability to lead. Even just being born into influence and money.

All these, and more, have been sloppily referred to as belonging to "the gifted," implying (blasphemously, I'm convinced) that all are granted to them by God Himself.

Just take a look at reactions to the recent Superbowl, for example, both game and halftime. They're said to be gifted.

From a righteous, holy God? mmmmm...no.

Further...what does that say to all those who have NOT received such worldly blessings that God allegedly lavished upon a relative few? What would they think HE thinks of them? People who sometimes have literally nothing positive to claim? If they buy into the lie of worldly giftings, what will they think of Him who (His word says more than once) "is NOT a respecter of persons"?

That's why I prefer the far more neutral naturally talented, skilled, or even fortunate over a loaded term like "gifted."

 

What do you typically use to measure with?

 

Depends what I’m measuring- ruler or tape measure most likely

 

Last year I found what I thought was a pocketwatch. Turns out it's a little roller measuring device, for maps probably, but could be used for pretty much anything flat. Handheld version of the big ones used to measure driveways and such. Anyway, you might be able to find one that works pretty cheap. What few times I've used mine, it has been extremely accurate and impossible to get wrong.

 

I’ll have to look for one.

 

I'll send you mine if you can't find one. It's just sitting in a box.

 

I was never able to understand "As It Were". My sister has been saying that a lot, for the same reason she always says new things-because she doesn't want to be left out.

 

I agree on "vacay", but not familiar on "merch".

 

"Have a good rest of your day". Forgive me but this has to be one of the silliest phrases I've heard. Yo?

 

Right....we need to be extra careful with that one.

 

Yes...how was the BEGINNING of the person's day?