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12/18: “Whatever” Loses Ground but Retains Annoying Word Title
For the ninth consecutive year, Americans say “whatever” is the most annoying word or phrase used in casual conversation.
For the ninth consecutive year, Americans say “whatever” is the most annoying word or phrase used in casual conversation. But, fewer Americans feel that way than in previous years. Residents under the age of 45, compared with their older counterparts, do not find the word all that bothersome.
33% of Americans consider “whatever” to be the most annoying word or phrase. The recent addition of “fake news” takes second place with 23% followed closely by “no offense, but” with 20%. 11% think “literally” is the most grating word used in conversation while 10% assert “you know what I mean” is the most agitating.
In 2016, “whatever” received 38% to 20% for “no offense, but.” “Ya know, right” and “I can’t even” each garnered 14%. Eight percent of Americans deemed “huge” to be the most irritating word or phrase spoken in casual conversation.
“Since 2015, we have seen a narrowing between ‘whatever’ and the rest of the list,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. “It has been more than 20 years since ‘whatever’ first gained infamy in the movie Clueless. While the word irks older Americans, those who are younger might not find ‘whatever’ to be so annoying.”
Opinions differ based on age. A plurality of U.S. residents 45 and older, 40%, believe “whatever” is the most annoying spoken word. In contrast, 28% of Americans under 45 years old say “no offense, but” is the most bothersome. A similar 26% of these residents consider “whatever” to be the most grating word or phrase used in casual conversation.
Complete December 18, 2017 Marist Poll Release of the United States
Complete December 18, 2017 Marist Poll of the United States (Tables of Adults and Registered Voters)
Marist Poll Methodology
Nature of the Sample
Powertothepeople
December 20, 2017 at 12:01 PM
Trump is setting up the uneducated just as he did during his campaign, it’s always some one’s else fault. This Con Man knows that ethics, his ties to Russian and other scandals will soon surface, so what does he do?
Makes the press and media the bad guys { Fake News } then his low information supporters will believe him instead of the facts.
Yes, keep them Fearful, Loyal and Stupid.
Go figure !
chicago860
December 20, 2017 at 11:45 AM
I can live with the term…just have a problem with those actually generating that fake news…like Zucker & Co.
Craig
December 20, 2017 at 11:42 AM
Better than saying, “lying sack of sh_t.”
Bill Ingram
December 20, 2017 at 11:41 AM
What ever.
John Galt – deal with it.
Donald Repp
December 20, 2017 at 11:40 AM
I find the phrase “No problem” to be annoying when used instead of “You’re welcome”.
washicd
December 20, 2017 at 11:39 AM
Are you(Marist Poll) trying to make us believe that only 23% of the people polled were liberal/progressive?
Talcum X
December 20, 2017 at 11:37 AM
‘Bullsh*t’ seems more fitting.
Recovering Feminist
December 20, 2017 at 11:36 AM
It’s the fake news that’s annoying, not its verbal description!
Nunzio
December 20, 2017 at 11:33 AM
“F*CK” should be number one, but it’s not even on the list? Sounds like they conducted this poll in 1983 instead of 2017.
Other strong contenders: “Really?”; “Racist”; “So…”; “Lifestyle”; “Income streams”; “Green”; and the biggie: “Life hack”.
Ancientemplar
December 20, 2017 at 11:30 AM
“Fake news” is annoying? Then keep using the phrase
Blancojoe
December 20, 2017 at 11:24 AM
The most annoying thing is the repeated Fake News from the Alphabet Channels. Anyone with more than two brain cells can see their incredible penchant for leftist bias and hypocrisy.
rcavanaugh
December 20, 2017 at 11:24 AM
New Poll—58% claim Fake news more annoying then calling it fake news.
CptSpanky
December 20, 2017 at 11:19 AM
The pretend media making stuff up as they go along..does’t have the same ring to it
Tom
December 20, 2017 at 11:17 AM
Upset because we are calling you on the fake news and fake polls Marist? How about that Hillary +15?