Dear Crabby, What’s your Favorite Word?

Dear Crabby, What’s your Favorite Word?

Sincerely, Verbo Smith

Dear Verbo,

Well, I have words that I say a lot, words I like to hear, and words I don’t like to hear. There are overused words that make me cringe and old school words that make me look twice when someone utters them. Then there are the words that I hear too often, but don’t want to hear – those are the same words I mutter to myself when I stub my toe.

I say no quite a bit. Usually to questions:

Dear Crabby sits infront of his laptop
Dear Crabby Gives Advice
  • Do you want to go out for dinner?
  • Do you want to go for a walk?
  • Have you done your chores yet?
  • Should we visit the neighbors?
  • Anything good on TV?
  • Anyone running for president you like?

It’s always “no!” It’s just easier that way and usually saves me time and money. So, I like the word “no,” but it’s not my favorite word. Then there are the words that are overused and drive me crazy to hear.

  • Literally
  • Whatever
  • Like
  • Actually
  • Inclusive

Overused words are overused either because of a limited vocabulary of the speaker, or are a trendy word that has lost its impact due to being overused. But sometimes, those once overused words can make a comeback. I don’t mind hearing:

  • Groovy
  • Nifty
  • Hunky-dory
  • Wacky

There is another word. It has four letters and starts with an F. It’s used a lot. And I like when I hear it, especially when it’s followed by something I like, such as: Free lunch, free money, free candy, free cupcakes, free ice cream, free gifts, free time, free dinner, etc.

Now, if you were thinking of a different four-letter-word that begins with an F, then shame on you. Those kind of words are not only overused, but are rude and show disrespect for those around you. Trust me, I know them all. When I was a working man, the guys would toss around those four-letter nefarious morphemes like nothing.

While I like saying “NO,” I truly enjoy hearing the word “FREE.” So, I’ll have to go with the one that gives me something for nothing. However, I’m reminded of the phrase, “There’s no free lunch,” but I’ll have to save that topic for another column.

Dear Crabby

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About Dear Crabby

Stuck in a rut? Need some biased advice from a crabby old baby-boomer? Read regularly by thousands and loved by some, Dear Crabby answers questions weekly to life's challenges. Send him a note at editor@rochestermedia.com.

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