Even as a writer of little standing (five foot, four inches in my stocking soles) I’ve found myself becoming increasingly ‘up myself’ and ‘precious’ when it comes to witnessing the application of our English language.

One thing I’ve learned from my blogging and writing books, is to be self critical. I know I’ll never be 100% correct in the manner by which I express myself, but I have discovered many words and phrases I was so very guilty of overusing.

Reading back on what nonsense I write, it’s easy to spot duplication / multiplication of words. I fully appreciate the vast majority of the world’s population would never feel the need to physically review their wording. and are therefore unaware of their verbal repetition / misquotes.

However, people in the public eye should know better. They have no excuse. Every day they are quoted in the press and magazines. They are interviewed on television, and create their own social media content.

Surely to goodness they can spot what have become bad habits?

Sports people, in particular football (soccer) players and television commentators in the UK are perhaps the worst. For example:

You’ll notice above, I mentioned I’ll never be 100% correct in my communication. Yeah, 100%. Not 110%. Or 200%.

Interviewer: “You were up against it in the second half, but the defense held fast.”

Player: “110% – we knew they’d come out all guns blazing, but we’d prepared for that during training this week.”

Me: “Aaaargh!”

Another sports related phrase that’s become increasingly irksome in recent times, is the commentator’s description of something that almost didn’t happen. But did. I think. I find it difficult to understand what the heck they are meaning.

Commentator: “He just about managed to keep the ball in play …”

Me: “He did keep the chuffin’ ball in play! For crying out loud, man. There’s no ‘just about’ it at all. Fact. Give me strength!”

But here’s the doozy! This really, really rips my knitting! I hear it all the time these days … people asking and then answering their own questions!

TV / radio sports pundit: “Is he a great player? Yes. Has he scored twenty-five goals this season? Yes. Is he a fans’ favourite? Yes. But does he do enough work off the ball? No.”

Me: “I can’t take it anymore! Please! Make it stop! Where’s the mute button on this TV / radio remote …?”

😉😂