Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)

Words that highlight your lack of vocabulary

-

WHEN trying to make a good impression, we all know there are some obvious words to avoid, such as slang and bad language.

But according to British upper crust magazine Tatler, there are some more harmless words you should also banish from your lexicon.

“Hubby”, “other half ”’, “basically”, “tasty” and “iconic” are among an extensive list of words you should not use under any circumstan­ces says the society bible.

The magazine has issued a “banned-word thesaurus”, including words such as “pooch” and “lifestyle”.

Other demonised words that should be “consigned to the dustbin of conversati­on” are a number that refer to drinking and partying.

“Quaff ” – to drink something heartily – and “tipple” for an alcoholic drink are both deemed unacceptab­le.

And when discussing a party, under no circumstan­ces use the terms “do”, “shindig” or “soiree”.

Asking where the “nibbles” are instead of canapes, or if there is anything you can “nibble on” instead of snack on are also huge social faux pas.

And when discussing your partner, make sure you don’t describe them as your “other half ” or label your husband your “hubby” – even if he is “seriously”, meaning very, rich.

“Iconic” and “legendary” should be swopped for terms such as celebrated, famous or distinguis­hed.

And even popular phrases such as “curl up”, “game-changer” and “bangon-trend” are deemed “very uncool”.

Other no-go terms include: “fashionist­a” ( follower of fashion), all words ending “ista” (except barista), journey (unless on a bus, etc) and “rocks” (as in she “rocks a look”). – Daily Mail

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from South Africa