It's should have and would have not should of and would of

[pippinleaf]

That's all.

www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/quotation-mark

They weren't quoting and they weren't being sarcastic. They were expressing their opinion of what happened between X and Y!

I understand what a quotation mark is.

I think we are just disagreeing because you don't think people are quoting in this situation, whereas I'd read that sort of phrase as them trying to tell you that 'not acceptable' is a phrase that doesn't originate with them.

The attribution of sarcasm or emphasis is a matter of interpretation.

Well, ok, you know them and I don't, so I am sure you're right! I have often seen people use quotation marks like this, though, and it was definitely because they were quoting, so my first assumption would be this is a quotation.

The sarcasm thing is a red herring. Quotation marks don't have any automatic association with sarcasm - we attribute it because sarcasm posits an implicit distance between speaker and meaning, and quotation marks are one way to achieve that.

Oh for gods sake let's move on...

Yes, do let's!

If you actually say "would have" I think it makes you sound like you're a bit up yourself.

It's "would've" round my way, and I don't know anyone who says "would of".

Just come across something else that's given me the rage. Someone I know wanted to enter next year's London Marathon. They didn't get through the selection process (or whatever it is). I've just seen a comment they've made where they say "But I generally wanted to do it" - as opposed to "genuinely".

Have found this somewhat helpful wid da local yoof

"Grammar, the difference between knowing your shit and knowing you're shit."

I care! Please may I plead sanctuary and be admitted to pedants' corner?