Extreme use of language...AIBU?

[BlueLegume]

I’ve ponderered this for a while before actually posting and fully expect to be criticised. I’m fine with that. My gripe is the way our language or rather the use of it has become so extreme. By this I mean everything is either ‘amazing’ or ‘phenomenal’ or ‘devastating ‘, when in fact most of the time these words should be saved for really ‘amazing’ times or really tragic ‘devastating’ experiences. AIBU and grumpy old woman to think this is diluting the use of proper language and our actuall assessment of situations. I find it fascinating that people refer to everyone they see as ‘ absolutely stunning’ when most of the time they may look lovely but absolutely stunning is just simply an over reaction. I love language and embrace the fact words come and go in terms of fashion but I can’t say I’m a fan of this gushing misuse of extremes. Prepared to be criticised as I said - also understand it’s nice to praise people but my gripe is that there are so many other relevant words we seem to have massively dumbed down how we speak.

Awesome opening post

Great comeback Worra

The word you're looking for is hyperbolic.

Changing language is fascinating. Why would you have a problem with it?

Speak the way you wish and let others do the same.

Thank you lesDeux , I used the word gripe not problem purposely as I understand that language is changing constantly. My gripe is more that in a fast moving competitive world we are dealing with some young people with poor self awareness of language where much of their experiences are described using words at either end of the spectrum not befitting of the situation and perhaps not equipping them with the resilience to recognise what is really ‘devasting’ or really exceptionally beautiful. My SIL is an attractive woman yet every comment on anything she posts is “aw absolutely stunning”, which is great for her self esteem but she then reacts with a sad child like face when she attends events with wider family who don’t give her this extreme validation. My gripe is with language btw NOT my SIL.

YANBU. "My lunch was absolutely amazing!! The cocktail was to die for!!!" . It was a fish finger sandwich with a bit of rocket in and a gin and tonic. Have a word.

A landlady got quite indignant last weekend when she asked how our meal was (steak/ale pie), and while DP nodded with a mouthful, I said "it's alright thanks, yeah". It was alright. Not "simply mindblowing" or "to die for" or "exquisite". Just alright (and that was... alright!).

I'm horrified that you feel this way. Language change is amazing. You seem like a wonderful person though, and I'd be devastated to hurt your feelings.

Based on your second post, your grip of language isn't quite as firm as you think.

Thanks indubious, you have articulated my point better than I did. If I am truthful I do think social media has played a big part in this shift. I posted after reading some reviews on Tripadvisor and realised just because so much of what we do is out there to see we seem to all be self imposing the need for everything to be at a very identifiable end of the spectrum - either fabulous or dreadful. I know much of my life experiences are very pleasant but rarely earth shatteringly fabulous, and I’m good with that.

Well irs "alright" isn't really a compliment to be fair. It translates as it's mediocre. You don't have to go to the extemes of "to die for", but there is a polite mid ground of "its lovely/good, thank you". Even if it's not, sometimes it's nice to be nice.

Bluntness100

Certainly wasn't a dismissive "alright", pretty sure I gave a thumbs up, smile and a nod while shovelling another forkful in. :)

Thanks falsepriest and threeelephants. lesAlpes, I’ve made no mention about my grip of language so not really clear on your point. I simply saw the humour in the post made following my OP. Guess by your posts you are out to stir things up. This is semi lighthearted as a post so have a lovely afternoon as we will just go round in circles as we differ in our views.

I’m on a foreign Facebook group for my breed of dog and every photo is followed by the comment ‘magnificent ‘, even when the dog is not breed standard/clearly ill-bred/just plain ugly. It seems to be a standard, thoughtless yet over the top comment. It makes me want to leave the group!

I've always liked the quote from Martin in 'Frasier'

'Niles, your country and your family are to die for, food is to eat.'

I agree with you OP - I think we have such subtly in our language, it allows us to be very precise in meaning, but this is lost with use of hyperbole. I'm all for language changing and evolving and for new words to be introduced - these things are enriching. Use of the same few hyperbolic words to cover a wide range of feelings, reduces and impoverishes our vocabulary.

Thanks gide , good to hear I’m not aloneness in finding issue with it. For the record ‘alright’ where I come from is actually consider a compliment, I would have been happy with that falsepriest. On my wedding video from many years ago both my parents can be heard saying Bluelegume looks alright doesn’t she, huge compliment

Don't read the Daily Mail then - everything is 'hilarious'. Usually if you can raise a faint smile you're doing well. I've never fallen off my chair laughing.

Goodness ^^ predictive text ....meant alone not aloneness. Apologies.

Thanks Kurri, spot on quote. I have a friend who is always ‘absolutely exhausted’, ‘completely skint’, ‘crazy busy’ when she is actually none of them.

I use ‘fuming’ a lot. I don’t think I have ever, literally speaking, fumed. I do like the way it sounds funny in my accent compared to the local accent where I live now, though. Others probably not so much- they’re most likely wondering why I’m getting so het up by the merest triviality. I amuse myself though. (Not a euphemism)

I used too many thoughs. Fuming about that.

You're completely right, of course ...

I can take most hyperbole with a pinch of salt - but I do find it intensely annoying when every event or a exhibition is "the greatest show ever". Makes it incredibly difficult to decide what to buy a ticket for.

I'm actually guilty of this. I put it down to having worked in advertising so everything was always 'spectacular'. I'll have a word.

@SilentBob

Aha. I sent a text to my little brother yesterday asking how he was after swimming . He said he was "totally dead", so I replied saying he didn't need a lift home then .

YANBU. I dislike the way people say that someone who has had something bad happen to them has had their life ruined. That should be kept for really extreme situations.

@falsepriest I bet he was fuming!