Words We Hate

Should NEVER be used. If it's the first and it's expected to become a regular event, use "inaugural."

 

Speaking of ... I also hate the term "won first."

You don't fucking win first place. You either finish first or you win. And NOBODY wins second ... or third.

 

Does she go to Barnes and Noble?

 

If you as experienced as you claim, then you know there are situations that come up regularly in which more than one option is grammatically correct.

It's not an issue of being robotic; as with the rules of language in general, it is issue of consistency.

That's the purpose of a style guide.

 

'Win' as a noun. It is not a noun.

'Optics'. Save this stupid term for talk radio.

 

Irregardless.

 

Methinks that's a good one.

 

And methinks.

 

Using "percent" as two words in copy.

 

Yes, by all means this makes you the arbiter of all that is right in language.

Because, you know, I'm sure there were no award-winning writers, headline writers and/or experienced editors involved in writing the AP Stylebook (or your newspaper's style book, for that matter).

 

Merriam-Webster begs to differ:


2win noun

: an act of achieving victory especially in a game or contest


Full Definition of WIN


: victory; especially: first place at the finish (as of a horse race)


Examples of WIN

a pitcher with 15 wins

Their win over the first place team was unexpected.


First Known Use of WIN

1862

 

You knew I couldn't resist.