Trendy Words I Do Not Like

[RatGuy]

"utilize"

Maybe it's not trendy, but it's one of those multi-syllabic words that seems overused. Why not just "use" or "apply?"

I try to use "utilize" when I'm describing using something for something other than it's intended use. Kinda like how I'm always  utilizing a butter knife because I've misplaced the screwdriver again.

[Hibush]

forsooth

Is "Forsooth" trending, or are you exclaiming archaically at the deplorable trendy terms?

I think it is trending as much as many of the other terms being discussed.

A very repeatable phenomenon is that when someone voices a particular grammatical or usage complaint--no matter how specific--it unleashes everybody's urge to unload all their own usage complaints.

Anyone can succumb. Strunk and White's little guide, famous for the admonition "No unnecessary words!" devotes it's final chapter to all the usages that annoyed Prof White.

If he could not resist, what hope do the rest of us have?

I consider it a law of nature.

[fishbrains]

"Work with students."

If anyone says this in a meeting--as in "Faculty need to 'work with students'"--I now demand a definition and specific examples. It's kind of an a-hole move on my part, but I've yet to find anyone who can do more than stammer through an explanation of what they think they mean by the phrase.

[dismalist]

"Work with students."

If anyone says this in a meeting--as in "Faculty need to 'work with students'"--I now demand a definition and specific examples. It's kind of an a-hole move on my part, but I've yet to find anyone who can do more than stammer through an explanation of what they think they mean by the phrase.

I believe it means to suspend the rules. Have seen it used that way in the admissions requirements of a certain program.

[Cheerful]

deleted.

[apl68]

"utilize"

Maybe it's not trendy, but it's one of those multi-syllabic words that seems overused. Why not just "use" or "apply?"

I try to use "utilize" when I'm describing using something for something other than it's intended use. Kinda like how I'm always  utilizing a butter knife because I've misplaced the screwdriver again.

That example you gave would be an awkward substitution, all right.  Butter knives are just not made for opening paint cans or starting cars.

[dismalist]

Oh, and another one: Best practices!

What, we were going to use worst practices? Or are "adequate practices" inadequate?

[wareagle]

+1.

And who decides that these practices are the best?

[marshwiggle]

Oh, and another one: Best practices!

What, we were going to use worst practices? Or are "adequate practices" inadequate?

How would refer to the most effective and evidence-based techniques ane procedures without using such a long phrase as I just did? For instance, if you're talking about teaching, and you want to talk about things like flipped classrooms, active learning, and the kind of ideas in the "Jedi mind tricks" and "sane course policies that make your life easier" threads, what's the overall term you'd use for that?

[dismalist]

Oh, and another one: Best practices!

What, we were going to use worst practices? Or are "adequate practices" inadequate?

How would refer to the most effective and evidence-based techniques ane procedures without using such a long phrase as I just did? For instance, if you're talking about teaching, and you want to talk about things like flipped classrooms, active learning, and the kind of ideas in the "Jedi mind tricks" and "sane course policies that make your life easier" threads, what's the overall term you'd use for that?

Trendy? :-)

[wareagle]

Rich pedagogy?

[marshwiggle]

Oh, and another one: Best practices!

What, we were going to use worst practices? Or are "adequate practices" inadequate?

How would refer to the most effective and evidence-based techniques ane procedures without using such a long phrase as I just did? For instance, if you're talking about teaching, and you want to talk about things like flipped classrooms, active learning, and the kind of ideas in the "Jedi mind tricks" and "sane course policies that make your life easier" threads, what's the overall term you'd use for that?

Trendy? :-)

Ah, well that's a different issue; i.e. if you think what's being discussed is basically a useless fad. Are there ever things you see that are changes from how things used to be done that you think should become more mainstream in the future? If so, what do you call them?

Rich pedagogy?

That sounds a bit more abstract and airy-fairy to me; "practices" sound like concrete things that can be done.

[dismalist]

Are there ever things you see that are changes from how things used to be done that you think should become more mainstream in the future?

No. :-)

[Wahoo Redux]

I am really sick of "lol"

[fourhats]

"Deep dive"