Archive for September, 2004

Twisted turns of phrase

Wednesday, September 29th, 2004

Liz Evans, crime reporter at The York Dispatch, had this to say:

I have two nominations for Banned For Life that have graduated to running-joke status in The York (Pa.) Dispatch newsroom:

  • “He/she was just turning his/her life around.”
    Without fail, each teenage crack dealer gunned down on a street corner (or person who died while driving drunk, etc.) was just about to get his life together, grieving family members insist. Our newsroom has determined the surgeon general should warn gangstas that turning things around could be dangerous to their health.
  • “(Something) went awry,” or occasionally even “horribly awry.”
    A certain Central Pennsylvania newspaper loves to use this giggle-worthy phrase in headlines. Puh-leeze.

Posted in News | 2 Comments »

Anytime at all

Friday, September 10th, 2004

Bill Luxton shares:

I nominate the relatively new but appallingly hackneyed, “ANYTIME SOON.”

To my recollection this phrase first appeared perhaps 2 years ago and now props-up lazy writing in all media in news weather and sports.

  • ” city council budget talks are not expected to be resolved anytime soon”
  • ” drought like conditions will continue without relief anytime soon”
  • ” don’t look for a win from this team anytime soon.”

Posted in Unnecessary words | No Comments »

Battle hardened

Friday, September 10th, 2004

Bruce Carpenter avers:

The expression “battleground states” has become such an obvious cliche during this presidential campaign season, I’m surprised that well-known broadcast reporters are still using it. Is it sly self-parody?

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Shark attack

Friday, September 10th, 2004

Bruce, who guards his last name zealously, suggests:

The phrase “jumped the shark” has just about jumped the shark by now, I think.

Posted in Features | No Comments »

Don’t be a jerk

Friday, September 10th, 2004

Miranda Lombardi has a simple request:

Please add the detestable phrase ‘KNEE JERK‘ to your lists.

Posted in News | No Comments »