English is a difficult language. With words and phrases constantly entering and exiting our vernacular, reflecting changing trends, slang, and technology, it’s no surprise that some words are misinterpreted and some clichés sound as if they were passed through a game of telephone since their current form bears no relation to their beginnings.
There are numerous offenders—most of which I’m guilty of using, too—but these are examples I hear or read a lot.
Plethora
This word is commonly used as a substitute for “many,” or “a lot” as in, “we offer a plethora of color choices.” However, plethora actually means in excess, or an overabundance, giving it a slightly negative connotation. “We offer such a plethora of choices that you will never be able to decide on one.”
Healthy Versus Healthful
This is one of those cases where the incorrect form of the word is gaining momentum, so the correct word will most likely become obsolete. Healthy is traditionally used to denote a living thing that is in good health (she was young and healthy), while healthful is something that promotes good health (vegetables are a healthful food). We rarely see healthful anymore; most people talk about a healthy diet, healthy foods, and healthy activities.
Reiterate
My high school geometry teacher clued us into this re-redundant word. Iterate means to say or do again, making the “re” before it useless.
Peruse
I think everyone falls pray to conflicting nature of peruse—and it’s no wonder. We hear it like this: “peruse the magazine collection at your leisure.” But, the first definition of peruse is to look at something with great attention or detail, like you would a credit card statement or a crossword puzzle. However, some dictionaries now accept, as a second definition, “to look over in a casual or cursory manner.” I would stick with the first meaning—for now at least—and peruse your credit card statements for fraudulent activity.
For All Intents and Purposes
Most people misstate this phrase—which essentially means “for all practical purposes”—by saying “for all intensive purposes.” Say it fast, or say it correctly.
Scapegoat, Not Escape Goat
This isn’t misused too often, but a recent New York Post headline, “Tragic Escape Goat,” shows it still is.
Irregardless
Used primarily in speech, irregardless is a nonstandard word that probably came about from blending regardless and irrespective. Most editors will mark this word in red and replace it with the more accurate—and much simpler to say—regardless.
Don’t Beg the Question
We often think of begging the question as synonymous with raising or pleading the question. But “beg the question” doesn’t mean either of those things. According to William Safire, who writes the “On Language” column for the New York Times, “begs the question” comes from petitio principi and means “to assume what needs to be proved” (i.e., a circular argument). Begs the question should be used when you mean “ducks the question.” An example of a circular argument is someone saying, “If taking drugs were not illegal, they would not be prohibited by law.” To which you could say, “That begs the question.”
Home in on Versus Hone in On
The two sound so similar it’s no surprise they are used almost interchangeably. The correct use is to home in on something, as a pigeon would its home, rather than to hone, which means to sharpen or become more accurate. However, as evidenced by January 16, 2008 Washington Post article—“Researchers Hone in on Cancer Stem Cells for Melanoma”—the alternative form is commonplace.
Nonplussed
Nonplussed means bewildered, confused, or perplexed—not calm, collected, and unperturbed, as most use it in conversation. Used incorrectly so often, its erroneous meaning is making its way into the dictionary. I’m nonplussed as to why we can’t get it right.
Rule of Thumb
This phrase is usually used correctly—most know that it translates to a rough way of measuring something—but it is perceived wrongly. Rumors of its relation to wife beating (a man supposedly couldn’t beat his wife with anything larger than a thumb) have made it a no-no among the feminist circuit. However, this relation has shown to be false. Rule of thumb can rule again.
Literally
I misuse this one all the time in causal speech, as in “I was laughing so hard I was literally peeing my pants.” Since literally means, “actually” or “without exaggeration” it shouldn’t be used in the figurative sense (and luckily, my statement was figurative).
Could Not Care Less
Sometimes clichés are overused to the point of meaninglessness; such is the case for “could care less,” which should be “could not care less.” The first connotes that you care at least a little; the second is a sarcastic way of say you don’t care at all.
Tongue in (or and?) Cheek
The correct use would be immediately apparent if people still stuck their tongues in their cheeks when lying or joking, but since not everyone does, “tongue and cheek” is sometimes heard instead of “tongue in cheek.”
Altercation
I thought this word denoted a physical fight, but it actually means a “noisy, heated angry dispute.”
While the clichés may be mangled and a word’s original meaning lost or transformed, it is also useful to note that dictionaries are not set in stone. Just think of the words that have been added to the dictionary—Homer Simpson’s “D’oh,” “google,” “fanboy,” “bad hair day,” and “boy band.” Dictionaries evolve, just as our language does.