To want to scream at the misuse of reflexives?

[Whatisthisfuckery]

ARGH!

Where did it come from? Why do people do it? I’m pretty sure it’s a recent thing where people are writing such abominations as ‘please contact myself on...’ or ‘I’d just like to invite x and yourself to...’ No, if you call me ‘yourself’ I’m not coming.

Do people think it makes them’ sound formal or something?

My DS’s form tutor has done it every time she’s emailed me, then today on a video catch up she did it in speech. I’m not sure my face didn’t give me away. I’m sure I visibly cringed, I might have even put my head in my hands. There is no polite or acceptable way to tell your child’s teacher that her incorrect use of language makes you want to repeatedly bang your head against the wall in frustration.

It’s entirely ridiculous and irrational, but AIBU to want to curl up in a ball on the ground and rock backwards and forwards when somebody uses a reflexive where they shouldn’t?

Myself thinks that yourself is unreasonable. Itself doesn't sound stupid at all.

(Fully agree!)

ARGGGHHHH! You are so right OP. I think people think it makes them sound fancy, when in fact it makes them sound illiterate.

People who do this, can’t they see how U they’re being?

I agree it is the most irritating habit.
I think it makes people sound ridiculously self important (and clearly is grammatically incorrect so actually makes them sound the exact opposite).

Totally agree! I think I physically flinch when I hear it done too!

It is irritating, yes.

As is misuse of I.

"X and I" is not always correct.

Not knowing when to use less and when to use fewer, although this is me being picky. 😁 It's not that big a deal, it just drives me nuts.

My username says it all.

Agree, seems to be used be people, in order to order to sound intelligent, but it actually has the opposite effect.

Totally agree. I mentioned this on a recent thread about crap grammar, in particular that of the 'trendy' variety (think gifted not given) and some smart arse poster seemed to think I was unreasonable.

You're right though - I call it Estate Agent Speak.

They don't know it's wrong and they also think it's makes them sound fancy. I always think it sounds like a character from only fools an horses.

(And certain teachers seem to be particular offenders these days! )

ARGGGHHHH! You are so right OP. I think people think it makes them sound fancy, when in fact it makes them sound illiterate.

@VettiyaIruken these all irritate myself too! (Sorry, couldn't resist 😉)

I always feel as if people will think I'm wrong when I say things about "x and me" instead of "x and I" - but as you say, it's not always correct to use "I".

We got DD a t-shirt that says "I'm silently correcting your grammar" - the only problem is, she's not always silent about it and has been known to correct her friends for using "I seen/I done" and "jamp" instead of jumped! She does it really politely though and they never even seem to mind - apart from the one who says jamp - she doesn't believe that it's not jamp, and argues every time 😂😂

Sorry I posted twice. Strongly as I feel on this issue, it probably wasn't necessary. I'll have a word with myself and I

@Lanique I've always called it Call Centre Speak

If she was an English teacher or the teacher of a subject where literacy was a key skill I’d be writing an email.

I’m generally quite a calm person, but there’s just something about misusing reflexives that makes me want to have a toddler tantrum.

@WeWantTheFinestWines

ARGGGHHHH! You are so right OP. I think people think it makes them sound fancy, when in fact it makes them sound illiterate.

I’m glad you said this twice because it is absolutely true!

I had a card once that said "I'm secretly judging you're grammar" which was too meta to cope with...

Pahahahhaa my husband and I play a game with this - if you hear a “myself” “yourself” etc you have to make a “wahay” noise (similar to the one made when a glass is smashed in a pub 😂)

Calm yourself down.

It's annoying but I assume people are victims of grammar being badly taught at school

@Glitterblue - I hope you teach your child to receive as well as give 😉

Oh this drives me mad as well.

Back in the 70s I used to work as a receptionist in a large company.

Every lunchtime the secretary of one of the middle management men would ring down and tell us, 'If you get any calls for Mr Jones or I, we'll be out to lunch for the next hour'.

She did this every single day at the same time and we never ever had any calls for either of them. I think it made her feel important and the mangled grammar made her think she was being terribly posh.

It's the same with myself/yourself. People are uncomfortable with using 'me' because their grammar is poor and 'me' is perceived to be a bit 'common' somehow.

Unfortunately, they just end up sounding a bit thick.

It’s not at all new for people to use this form of speech or for others to sneer at them for it.

Yes, it’s formally incorrect. Congratulations for being so special and talented to have been taught that.

It's a lost battle OP, it was happening as early as the 1930s!

I hate it too, although in some cases it's dialect. But in most cases it is call centre speak. I had to review call centre scripts and letters many moons ago and I was constantly removing yourself and myself and replacing them with you and me/I.

Add it to all the management speak bollox and I need to lie down with a cold towel

what should they be saying?
I only realised what is wrong with could of, from a MN thread !

Should be could have - should have - I did not realise.