Phrases/words that set your teeth on edge.

[Flosshilde]

But we've had bus stations since time immoral.

It's all those teenage gangs hanging about.

[Flosshilde]

pre-order

[Don Petter]

I had a student in Ireland who would always suggest that we go for a
"couple of scoops" after the sessions

so I have no problem with the phrase at all as there's nothing like a couple of scoops after a hard day's composition (black Irish version)

Drinking euphemisms can be quaint.

Way back in my formative years we had a regular in the village pub who was an expatriate Danish pig farmer. Towards end of the evening he would finish his beer and then say in his strong accent 'I think it is time for a little Scottish wine', which, naturally, came out of a Single Malt bottle.

[Thropplenoggin]

I've been wondering that.

I can't work it back to any Greek or Latin construction I know.

.

I believe it's this: amat hoc fieri From Book X of his Meditations.

[Angle]

Excellent, Flosshilde!

Pre-order, pre-book, pre-meet

Upcoming

At the top of the hour

highly acclaimed

closure

[Nick Armstrong]

empowerment

[kernelbogey]

'Is everything all right for you?', when you're half way through your meal.

[Serial_Apologist]

empowerment

[teamsaint]

Random. in the new usage.

[Nick Armstrong]

http://www.state.gov/s/we/index.htm

Not saying it's a bad idea, mind... Just the title...

[EnemyoftheStoat]

'Is everything all right for you?', when you're half way through your meal.

Annoying yes, but doubly so given that if you answer yes, it invalidates - or at least seriously weakens - your right to complain later on.


Pet hate: "can I get..." - no, they'll get it for you, that's what they're paid for.

[Bax-of-Delights]

But how do you ask for your ice cream? 'Two boules', perhaps.

Dollops.

And I like to think it has an olde English usage as well - but maybe I'm thinking of trollop.

[kernelbogey]

but maybe I'm thinking of trollop.

Surely you'd get three scoops then?

[Bax-of-Delights]

'Is everything all right for you?', when you're half way through your meal.

Once I did say "er, actually no." At which point the waitress disappeared stage left tout de suite never to approach our table again.

[Sir Velo]

Hearing this ad nauseam: "Let me unpack this".

My reply: "Why? Have you brought a suitcase?"