words you should NEVER use....

This is a tough one, Boss. There are certain locutions which may make one look ignorant, or uncultured, but it's hard to think of them off the top of my head. I'll try to think about this and get back to you.

Wow, tough question...there is the issue of basic clarity, and also an issue regarding common vernacular, and making yourself understood in a non-academic situation....different strokes for different folks, I say, but I'll think about it. I will check in later.

The word ain't comes to mind.

Tell that teacher to get real! Or get a clue! Although I agree about not using get to mean that one understands something.

I don't get it! To me, I could understand not using the word "get" in a formal speech, or an academic paper, but not in casual conversation?

Teach sounds a bit anal retentive to me!

Ah, the word "go" as a substitute for "say", as in:

So, I go, like, "Whazzup, dude?" and then the dude goes, like, "Nothin'." and then Amy went, uh, "You're a bunch of losers!"

Change to:

I said, "Whazzup, dude?" and he replied, "Nothin'." Then Amy said, "You're a bunch of losers!"

Also, there's the problem of like and uh (and similar words) used as fillers. Everyone uses fillers, the problem is when the filler is over-used, as is shown above. There's nothing wrong with a pause, e. g. not speaking, rather than a filler word such as "like", "uh", "um", "er" or "yeah". "Like" makes you sound very teenaged (even if you are a teenager, it's still not a good idea if you're trying to sound mature). The others, for the most part, just sound like you can't think quickly. There's nothing wrong with pausing to think, of course - you just don't need to provide a soundtrack to your musings.

'Ociffer', never good when you get pulled over.

The "f" word, in all its aspects, is peppered throughout the conversations of many teenagers. It adds nothing to the conversation, and makes the speaker sound not only immature, but gross and uncouth.

Never? I can't think of one. At some point, every word has its day. Even ain't. However, there are some expressions that should never be used. Where something is at. Waiting on when waiting or waiting for should be used. (I'm waiting on that response.) I'm sure more will occur to me as the day wears on.

Phoenix, I happen to be a great admirer of the F word. However, when it's overused, it loses its impact.

Speaking of words that we refer to by letter, I have to take back what I said above. The N word and other similar nastinesses should never be used.

Yes, good point, Roberta.

Roberta- I agree. The "f" word, and other expletives, is like pepper. A little spices up a dish, or a conversation. A lot ruins them.

Also, what about those people who insert "you know" in every other sentence. Drives me nuts!

Irregardless.

But getting back to words like "get."

One editing book on writing more precisely suggests that the following words be changed for clarity: all forms of the verbs "to be," "to make," "to have," "to do."

These common verbs now possess so many meanings that using specific words in their place facilitates understanding, usually more concisely.

Ex:

"These verbs are common and now have so many meanings that having specific words in their place can make understanding easier, usually more concisely."

I hate it when I hear "stop, no, and don't."

Them's fightin' words!

And the punchline... "They're always telling me, 'No, don't stop!'"

I attempt to avoid using the word "should" in my conversations. It is so damn pedantic!

Have you "should" on yourself, today?

I agree. You should not use that word.