Is it normal that misused words and phrases bug me?
Anyone else bugged by misused words? There are many but here are the most common ones you hear, usually on radio or even TV news. These folks were supposed to be educated writers which makes it more the aggravating.
1. "Infamous" All time worst misused and its very common. Infamous means "known for immense evil. It does not mean "really really famous". This mistake is common on the "news", especally sports reporters.
2. "Very unique" Used a lot describing homes for sale. Unique means "ONE of a kind" It either is, or it isn't. "Unique' can not be modified with very, most, or even "sort of".
3. "All of the net proceeds will go to charity". The "proceeds" are what is left of the revenue (or donations) after all expenses are paid. It is already "net", that is built into the word. The word net in "net proceeds" is redundant. It is just "proceeds" not "net proceeds"
What other misused words are common?