We all have that one phrase (or maybe several) that instantly gets under our skin. It might be an overused cliché, a passive-aggressive remark, or just something that grates on your nerves for reasons you can’t quite explain.
Maybe it’s the dreaded “It is what it is” when you’re looking for an actual solution. Or perhaps it’s “No offense, but…” right before someone says something totally offensive. And let’s not forget the classic “Calm down”—because, honestly, has telling someone to calm down ever worked?
Whether it’s in the workplace, at home, or out in the world, certain phrases just make us want to scream. So, let’s hear it—what phrase annoys you every time you hear it? Drop yours in the comments below!
1. “I was today years old . . .”
2. “This” . . . in place of saying that you agree.
3. “Well played.”
4. “I love that for you.”
5. “‘POV’ . . . of everything.” It’s used a lot in memes.
6. Another meme one: “Tell me you [blank], without telling me you [blank].”
7. “Not all heroes wear capes.”
8. Finishing every sentence with “you know what I mean?”
9. “There’s no such thing as a stupid question.” That HIGHLY underestimates the stupidity of the population.
10. “I did a thing.” And also: “All of the things.”
11. “Hubby,” “wifey,” “preggers,” and “doggo.” Also: “Fur baby.”
12. When people use “supposably” instead of “supposedly.”
13. “Gaslighting.” Mostly because it’s often used incorrectly.
14. “Living my best life.” Also: “Being my true self.”
15. “I’m in my [blank] era.”
16. Saying, “Thanks for coming to my ‘Ted Talk’” . . . after the most basic, unoriginal couple of sentences about their opinion of something.
17. “The ick.”
18. “[Blank] was not on my 2025 bingo card.”
19. “Adulting.”
20. “Lives rent-free in my head.”