Phrases that annoy you: "in the kindest possible way"

[Pouffealouffe]

I see this quite a bit on here, usually followed by a response that I (being bitter and cynical perhaps) would struggle to find that kind in any particular way. Surely it's up there with "no offence but...". So AIBU to think "in the kindest possible way" is often a way of not being that kind? Any other similar phrases that drive you mad? Or am I just being negative ?

It annoys me when people preface some sort of announcement with "Gentle Reminder". It's weirdly meek and passive aggressive. Just give me the damn reminder! I don't need you to pussyfoot around.

"With all respect.." usually followed by something that blatantly shows no respect to the intended recipient.

"I don't mean to be rude, but.." you, fucker, just want to be rude.

My pet hate is when people preface a remark with ..... " with respect..." and then go on to be anything but respectful. Why bother??

Seeing a notice pinned up that starts: 'Polite Notice' really sets my teeth on edge, particularly when it goes on to be blunt and a bit rude. Just because you label something as polite doesn't make it so!

I would sit her down and gently tell her...
In case what you have to say would cause her to collapse?!

Not a phrase on here, so perhaps slightly off topic, but "Lessons have been learnt", usually uttered by a government minister or company spokesman when a major cock up has been made. It's just a meaningless excuse, and you know damn well no lesson has been learnt at all.

really maybe the notice self-identifies as Polite. Have you asked what pronouns the notice would like you to use?
Seriously though, defining something as something it's patently not is a huge trend right now. And it's irritating because it messes with our perception of reality.

I personally don't like the phrase "oh bless". Sets my teeths on edge

Good point fuckery. I'm going to self-identify as polite and then tell all my colleagues to fuck off and it will be fine because I'm Polite

"With all due respect..." and "I'm not being funny but..."
Phrases that are uttered at work frequently that make me want to punch people in the face.

'At the end of the day...'

Ooh and also "I don't mean to worry you but..." followed by some horrendous story

"I'm not gonna lie..."

It's a really suspicious way to start a sentence, and it's normally followed by something insulting.

@CaoNiMartacus - you beat me to it with Gentle Reminder. Drives me insane. Ds' coach for one of his sports does that. Coach drives me mad anyway so maybe that's why

We were having dinner "as a family"

Oh, another.. saying you're spending 'quality time' with your family/whoever. No, you're just spending time with them.

Used to know someone who would preface something rude with, "very gently,..." - not in writing but she would actually say it. Made me want to lamp her. Not very gently.

I hate when people say "like you do" and "what now?"

And "if I'm honest"

I was just about to start this!
"In the kindest possible way "
It's on a par with, "Not being funny, but...."

Sentences which finish with either yes or no, then a question mark, they're always preachy and passive aggressive. For example 'cake smashes represent all that's wrong with our consumerist society, no?'

I thought "with respect" was the British equivalent of "wrong answer fucker"

I don't see anything wrong with "in the kindest possible way". It's usually followed by straightforward and good advice. The phrase recognises the person's fragile state but at the same time suggests flowering up the facts aren't going to help matters.

And making memories. We are all making memories all the time, at the very least say making happy memories. After the summer half term someone I know was going on about how they're spent the week making memories with their DCs. I told her that I suspected DDs abiding memory of that week was going to be when she projectile vomited in the Ikea cafe.

"I know you don't want to hear this..."
So don't * say it then! (Over 20 years later and it's still getting to me!)