9 Words That Don’t Mean What You Think, from Cracked.com

by Kristen King on November 16, 2007

I found this collection of 9 words that are frequently used incorrectly from Cracked.com on StirrdUp this morning. But more than a standard commonly misused words (think what you see in the back of a steno pad), there’s extensive hilarious commentary and a ratings scale for how much of a moron you are for using it wrong, which I find quite funny, intellectual snob that I am.

Here are the words:

  1. Irregardless (my pet peeve)
  2. Peruse
  3. Ironic
  4. Pristine
  5. Nonplussed
  6. Bemused
  7. Enormity
  8. Plethora
  9. Deceptively

Now go check it out!

Confess: Have you used any of these words incorrectly? Leave a comment. 

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

Jo November 16, 2007 at 11:13 pm

So I’m not the only one that does that?! Whew! I am genuinely enjoying your blog and find it very practical, insightful and inspiring!
Keep on writing!
– Jo
http://followtheroadlesstraveled.blogspot.com

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Lori November 20, 2007 at 2:58 pm

Hysterical! I have been guilty of misusing “pristine” in the past. No longer!

And I’ve always hated “irregardless” and the misuse of “ironic” (that damn song drives me crazy!)…

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Leigh November 20, 2007 at 9:26 pm

I hate the use of “irregardless” as well. Another thing I hate is when people try to use myriad like plethora. With plethora you say, “…a plethora of ____.” You don’t say “a myriad of,” but most people use it like that. Grrr.

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Melissa Donovan November 21, 2007 at 3:01 am

These are great reminders. I almost used “plethora” incorrectly today but luckily I didn’t and now I never will!

-Melissa Donovan
Writing FORWARD

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mtbchick December 3, 2007 at 12:17 am

I cringe when I hear “irregardless”
People pretend to be smarter than they are, only showing the reality.

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Andy Havens December 7, 2007 at 11:31 am

Hi Kirsten,

Great post.

I Never thought much about irregardless but I’ve always hated nonplussed.

If I’ve EVER misused any of those words, well what can I say? A wise old fella once said – if you haven’t made any mistakes today it’s because you haven’t done enough.

God bless,

Andy

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