Stop the Malarkey: Words That Have Lost Their Meaning Online!

by

It seems we share a common interest, as I too find myself frequently frustrated by the way words are misused or overused, or incorrectly applied in online content, especially in YouTube videos.

I’m quite disliked in these parts when it comes to this particular topic, but I have valid reasons. An ‘icon’ typically refers to a religious portrait, often made on wood and decorated with gold, depicting a Catholic or Orthodox saint. That’s the end of the story.

This symbol is deeply rooted in faith and carries significant meaning, not comparable to a theme park attraction, a meal, or a film. Misuse and overuse of this term are widespread, damaging, and incorrect. It’s ironic that the more it’s used, the less impact it has, much like how certain strong words lose their power due to excessive usage. In my opinion, using this term for general use only demonstrates a lack of intelligence on the user’s part and diminishes the value of the content presented.

UNUSUAL TERM USAGE: It’s fascinating how the term “beloved” is being used so frequently these days! However, it seems that any slight variation in sales of products or services is now referred to as “beloved” in headlines. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that this term is only causing concern for the companies or individuals who are selling less, not for consumers like us in the real world.

TROUBLESOMING CUSTOMER BEHAVIOR: Another term that’s gaining popularity is “disturbing customer behavior.” It’s used to describe any minor changes in sales of goods or services. After sifting through the usual eight paragraphs of vague and generic information, you’ll eventually discover that this term is only troubling for the company, retailer, airline, or pundit who are experiencing a dip in sales, not for the average consumer like us.

Stop it, willya? Just stop it.

INTERESTING: It’s quite common nowadays to see reviews labeled as “Honest Reviews” for various items such as products, meals, amusement parks, and so on. This leads me to wonder if we should expect any other type of review besides an honest one? Could it be that these individuals have a tarnished reputation for sprinkling some fairy dust in their testimonials, and they feel compelled to assure us that this time around, their words are indeed truthful and sincere?

Frankly, if you feel compelled to call your viewpoint “honest,” it’s probably not. It’s a tactic that adults recognize all too well – we’ve dealt with children who swear on their pinkie about things they know are falsehoods. I sincerely hope they’ll stop this deceitful behavior, but to be frank, I’m skeptical.

To put it simply, let’s try to avoid lengthy introductions filled with vague generalizations, pseudo-historical references, or context that seems more like a gimmick in your articles. Instead, be direct and clear about the unique, intriguing, or thought-provoking aspect you’re presenting right from the start. This approach will help maintain the reader’s interest and trust, rather than encouraging them to dismiss your content as they often do with sensationalized introductions that don’t deliver on their promises. Overuse of these practices only makes them less effective and undermines credibility. It would be best to seek improvement or risk being overlooked entirely.

Read More

2025-05-26 17:55