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This trend is really driving me!

(63 Posts)
Bathsheba Mon 03-Dec-18 22:33:40

Yes, I know. It should be "driving me nuts" or "driving me bonkers" or some such phrase. And that is what is driving me bonkers - the trend where people are omitting the last part of a phrase or sentence. Examples (with the presumed omissions in brackets):

I can't wait to try this on my little/small (child/boy/girl)
I can't even (begin to express my feelings about this)
It was hell on (earth)

I can cope with the oft-maligned "Enjoy!" because at least it still makes grammatical sense, despite the failure to include what you are wishing the hearer to enjoy - their holiday, meal, birthday etc. Whereas the examples above are just nonsensical ?

grandtanteJE65 Tue 04-Dec-18 13:10:57

I'm with you on this point, Bathsheba. I hadn't noticed as many examples as you have, but the use of adjectives like little without a noun, annoys me too.

My pet hate is "It was a given" last time I asked, "Do you mean a foregone conclusion?" I got a blank stare in reply.

Bathsheba Tue 04-Dec-18 12:54:32

Ah no Houseseller it's not people like you I mean - I think we all 'trail off' sometimes because we can't think what it is we ... er.....em.... gringringrin

mabon1 Tue 04-Dec-18 12:51:05

What are you talking about, I've no idea?

starbox Tue 04-Dec-18 12:26:39

Golfspeak gets me- (married to a golfer) - "I got birdie" (should be 'a birdie' - footballers don't get 'goal'!)

Houseseller Tue 04-Dec-18 12:25:12

Hi Bathsheba, unfortunately I am one of those people and it’s because I can’t quite get my thoughts out. I know what I want to say but the words don’t catch up quick enough. Sorry if this gets on peoples nerves I can’t help it. smile

Overthehills Tue 04-Dec-18 12:22:39

I’ve never heard it myself but I shall be listening out for it. If it’s drives me bonkers too maybe we could start a support group “Bathsheba”! grin

Bathsheba Tue 04-Dec-18 11:59:11

You must lead a very sheltered life Gabriella grin

lilihu Tue 04-Dec-18 11:41:41

“Young” ?

lilihu Tue 04-Dec-18 11:41:06

Bathsheba, I’ve heard it, and seen it written. Mainly young or younger people. I expect texting, online forums and writing quick emails hasten the introduction of these “shortcuts” At first they are nonsensical comments, then with use they gain more meaning, at least to the other Yong people in their circle. ?

GabriellaG Tue 04-Dec-18 10:47:05

I've never heard of it. You must know/hear some weird people.

Baggs Tue 04-Dec-18 10:38:50

Even Well, I never did is a shortened version of something, maybe: I never did understand why someone would behave like that.

Lynne59 Tue 04-Dec-18 10:31:57

I haven't noticed people leaving words of the end......

ooh, I was distracted there for a moment grin

bunny17 Tue 04-Dec-18 10:24:04

End of.....

NotSpaghetti Tue 04-Dec-18 10:19:09

"Enjoy!" drives me bonkers... It's usually in a restaurant and feels like a command!

luluaugust Tue 04-Dec-18 10:18:22

Knowing the ends of the phrases without saying them means you belong to a particular club its just a form of shorthand.

dragonfly46 Tue 04-Dec-18 10:02:50

What about 'less than instead of fewer' and 'of' instead of 'for'

oldbatty Tue 04-Dec-18 09:50:29

Two absolute crackers there Bathsheba.

I'll raise you the word " literally"

Bathsheba Tue 04-Dec-18 09:46:00

Oh yes oldbatty, and:

He was stood
'Seen as', instead of 'seeing as'

newnanny I'm trying to work out what it was about my thread title that would have led you to think it was about unicorns confused

oldbatty Tue 04-Dec-18 09:38:02

I have hid

He was sat

newnanny Tue 04-Dec-18 09:34:17

When I opened the tread I thought it was going to be about the unicorns used in Christmas decorations, that are driving me nuts, as they seem to be everywhere I go. Unicorns are nothing at all to do with Christmas. Rant over.

EllanVannin Tue 04-Dec-18 08:56:48

The Two Ronnies used to do a sketch like this where one of them tried to fill in the last word-----it was hilarious.

Bathsheba Tue 04-Dec-18 08:47:31

Just try and keep your blood pressure down, more important.
My blood pressure is just fine. But thanks for your concern hmm

dragonfly46 Tue 04-Dec-18 08:45:02

Oh and adverbs - eg he walks slow!

dragonfly46 Tue 04-Dec-18 08:44:36

I find missing out the preposition drives me mad.
e.g. I am going shops

sodapop Tue 04-Dec-18 08:40:18

I must admit I have found myself not finishing sentences recently, don't know why must
be old. .............
It is irritating Bathsheba I agree.