Weird new use of 'to' that's popping up everywhere

[GreenTeaPingPong]

Have any other word nerds noticed this? I keep seeing it written in online news but can't find an example just now, but what reminded me is this quote in a MN thread today:
Is it actually fair to say they have a preference to skin colour/ethnicity?

It might have crept in from US English, but I find it quite irritating! Please someone give me another example.

Is it related to being excited "for" something?

It’s being used like ‘as to’ isn’t it? I haven’t noticed it but it would annoy me too!

Oh I haven’t noticed this. Will this be another rage inducing ‘thing’ ? Sounds odd.

@PointersPlease

Is it related to being excited "for" something?

I hate that one too!

I'm in the US and I haven't seen this. My american kids do say "I'm excited for" and it drives me crazy.

@NotThisWeekSatan

It’s being used like ‘as to’ isn’t it? I haven’t noticed it but it would annoy me too!

In this example it's being used instead of 'as to' but it's also being used to replace other prepositions in other places. Sorry, I wish I could find another example! I'll come back on here and post one when I next see it!

I don't know if this is an example of what you mean OP but I've noticed "speak to" creep in as corporate jargon but used to reference speaking about a topic rather than speaking to a person. For example, if I'm being introduced at a meeting "This is Moira, she will speak to the new project". It really grates on me.

I have an issue with the opposite - here in Devon people drop the word "to" or "to the" eg "I'm going park" or "We're going Tesco". It's always been something I have noticed locally but DD has started doing it and it is really grating on me.

moira yes I agree. It la kind of linked to when ‘issues around’ crept in. Both seem to spring from a reluctance to use good old ‘about’ (in those examples, not all).

Can someone give an example of ‘I’m excited for’ in a sentence because I can’t see what’s wrong with it?

I'm excited for my birthday party this weekend

Instead of I'm excited about my birthday party this weekend

@Pallisers

I'm in the US and I haven't seen this. My american kids do say "I'm excited for" and it drives me crazy.

Same for me. I haven't heard this use of "to" in the US.

In Cornwall we use to a lot, as in "Where's that to?" for a lost pen or directions to a new shop, or "Where are you to?" if on the phone and checking the progress one of the numerous family members coming down for a free holiday. ☺️

It tickled me when I came to live here but now I do it myself.

Oh "excited for" drives me crackers.

Another one creeping in from US you tubers is "a thing of .." instead of a packet/box/tube/bag/carton of ....

"Exited for" drives me crackers.

DD says "a bunch of ... which also grates.

@Moiraroseswigs

I don't know if this is an example of what you mean OP but I've noticed "speak to" creep in as corporate jargon but used to reference speaking about a topic rather than speaking to a person. For example, if I'm being introduced at a meeting "This is Moira, she will speak to the new project". It really grates on me.

Yes, that's it! Thank you. And HeronLanyon yes, I really hate 'issues around' and it is quite similar.

The past two weeks have been filled with people "speaking to" subjects, when I don't think I've ever noticed it occurring before. It seems to have exploded into my world, and I'm not enjoying it at all. It sounds ridiculous. Why the sudden increase in prevalence?

Thank you Muggle, for confirmation that I'm not imagining it!

I think I've only heard it prior to this year in the context of literature/arts, where it makes a bit more sense. The play speaks to society's fears and paranoia.

@kennythekangaroo

I have an issue with the opposite - here in Devon people drop the word "to" or "to the" eg "I'm going park" or "We're going Tesco". It's always been something I have noticed locally but DD has started doing it and it is really grating on me.

I’m in north London and it’s a thing here too. Drives me crazy. My DD’s school corrects them if they hear them saying it.

I spoke to this with my husband after a zoom that included a Q&A panel that went something like this:-
Person one. Asks question then, "Would anyone like to speak to that?"
Person two, the Chair of the discussion, "I can think of several members of the panel who might want to speak to that..."
Person three, "Yes, I'll speak to that."
I nearly exploded.

My husband says that in his workplace it had a phase six months or so ago, but has now faded away. So let's hope this new wave of social contagion dies out quickly too.

I used to find relatable really annoying and tell my students not to use it in essays but it’s mainstream now. I think we have to accept both regional variations and ever changing language- it’s nothing new.

See also: embarrassed of.

I work in the public sector we've been "speaking to" agenda items for at least the 20 years I've been there.