There are many words people use on a daily basis that are just not necessary. I've compiled a list of superfluent words that could be deleted from your vocabulary, making you sound more intelligent and more positive in general. The following words are just suggestions, there are obviously many others!
1. Hate
Honestly, what’s the point? There are a multitude of words to use instead of this, and not to mention there are many nicer words to say. Instead of the word hate use: despise, dislike, loathe, abhor or detest. Or you could try to not hate things at all. Love, like, enjoy, appreciate and adore things! Try saying “chair” in place of the word hate, and then you’ll sound so silly that you’ll stop saying it altogether.
2. Retarded
This word is frequently overused and misused. Retarded used to mean mentally or physically disabled, but it has since been taken out of the medical dictionary because of the malicious ways in which it is being used. Teenagers, and even some adults, call stupid, dumb, slow or annoying things “retarded”. This is a blatant misuse of the word and it needs to end. People with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) have been bombarded with this word at school, in the workplace and at social events. Hearing it upsets them and rightly so!
3. But
Stop making excuses. If you’re using the word but in a sentence that requires a contrast, such as, “It’s rainy outside, but it’s also sunny”, then ignore this. If you’re using the word but to make an excuse for yourself, such as, “I would love to lose some weight, but working out is really hard”, then listen up! “But” is only going to stop you from reaching your goals and finishing what you start. “But” will never let you get to your finish line!
4. Um
Saying this word makes you sound indecisive and unintelligent. “I... um… I like your pants.” This word is a placeholder when you don’t know what to say next or when you’re nervous. Don’t let this conversation filler interrupt what you’re trying to say!
5. Can’t
Saying you can’t do something is only replacing excuses. Either you won’t do it or you don’t know how to do it, so stop making the excuse that you can’t do it. Besides that, this word is very negative. Just like the phrase “never say never”, you also shouldn’t say “I can’t”.
6. Like
I, like, can’t, like, stand, like, when people, like, say like, like, all the time. Teenagers have overused this word for far too long. Just as I suggested with the word “hate”, try to replace the word “like” with the word “chair” every time you want to say it. This will help you take this word out of you vocabulary entirely. Hopefully you’ll only use it when comparing two objects or discussing something you enjoy.
7. Never
Never say never! No, that’s not just a Justin Bieber song; it’s a real phrase. Saying the word “never” only tempts fate to bring its wrath down upon you. I know this is kind of superstitious, but who wants bad karma? No one! Saying, “I’ve never had a car accident, so I can drive recklessly whenever I want”, only tells the universe that maybe you need a wake up call. Don’t do this to yourself!
