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

www.inkthinkerblog.com — 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. 

Contents Copyright © 2006-2014 Kristen King

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Jo Nov 16, 2007 Link

    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

  • Lori Nov 20, 2007 Link

    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!)…

  • Leigh Nov 20, 2007 Link

    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.

  • Melissa Donovan Nov 21, 2007 Link

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

    -Melissa Donovan
    Writing FORWARD

  • mtbchick Dec 3, 2007 Link

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

  • Andy Havens Dec 7, 2007 Link

    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