Sometimes it’s the little things that get under our skin. According to the old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” As a craftier of words, I take exception to this. Words can be very powerful, but some of them make us simply scratch our head and wonder.

Are there certain expressions that make you cringe every time you hear them? Maybe everyone has words or phrases that make them bristle like a cat being rubbed backwards, or is it is just me? Anyhow, I have started writing them down. Here are a few buzzwords that will probably be in the Oxford Dictionary soon if they are not already.

Baby bump – Sounds like child abuse, doesn’t it? Celebrities and others have taken to calling their pregnant belly a baby bump. It is supposed to be a cute way of saying, “Look at me, I’m expecting!” Call it what it is, your fat pregnant belly, and stop showing it off in front of a camera. We know what you end up with is a beautiful thing, but truthfully, your fat belly isn’t cute.

Photo bomb – Sounds like a terrorist photographer. Ever try to take a picture on vacation and have it spoiled by all the other tourists trying to take the same picture? The expression was probably invented by paparazzi, angry that their perfect shot isn’t worth a dime because someone else wandered into the frame and the picture “bombed.” Sometimes it is an accident, sometimes a deliberate gag, and sometime due to the giant ego of someone who wants to steal the show. What ever happened to the word “bloopers”?

BOGO sale – What the heck is a BOGO and why are they on sale? This term is an often seen in online ads and in supermarket circulars. It came from an acronym used in text messages and means “buy one, get one free.” Why don’t they just say this? I have to wonder how many sales are lost due to senseless, witty expressions. I thought they were still called twofers, which shows how behind the times I am. I doubt that I’m the only one, however, who doesn’t need a BOGO today. Thanks anyhow.

Twerking – We know what it technically means, a combination of “twist,”and “work.” Most people think Miley Cyrus invented the word to explain her sexually suggestive MTV performance, but actually the word is much older than Cyrus. Some say it is African and some say it appeared first in rap music. Miley learned to twerk and hasn’t stopped since. I seriously do not want to see or hear this word again. If you must display your private parts, call it something less silly sounding than twerking.

Black ice – Dirty snow? Frozen slush? Show me some black ice. There is no such thing. Weather reporters are probably responsible for this one. It seems that thin ice on asphalt is transparent and appears to be black. This is another terminology that is a bit too clever for me. It is thin ice, invisible ice, or an ice-slick road. Reality is ominous enough for most drivers.

Bucket list – Good grief, I cannot figure out why anyone would want to carry around a list in a bucket. As it turns out, it is supposed to mean a list of things you want to do before you die. (Die meaning, kick the bucket.) I suppose it is meant to be humorous. The thing about a “to do” list is that it is never finished as there are always more things to do. If you never finish your list, do you have to carry a bucket with you to eternity? If you finish your bucket list, does that mean you are ready to die?

You probably have a few words that are pet peeves that you can add to my list right now. I’m sure I will think of more and grit my teeth every time I hear it. Buzzwords seem to come and go with the times. Sometimes they go out of vogue before the dictionary even has a chance to add them.

Come to think of it, I don’t much care for the term “buzzword” either.

Copyright 2014-25 Sheila Moss