1

I've watched online a few (hours of) lectures, where the lecturer used actually and basically every other sentence. I've developed a sensitivity to it, and now I can't stand these words.

This includes their derivatives and synonyms which, in the context being used, are fully redundant, out of place, or simply wrong.

It became grating, and I notice it everywhere, written or spoken. It feels like some kind of a disorder.

Has anyone heard of such a problem? Any suggestions? Not sure if I need a grammar or a medical forum.

Related link: How do some people develop the tendency to overuse particular words?

Improve this question
6
  • 1
    The speakers are amateurs who are perhaps nervous, or perhaps so well-known that no one feels free to critique them. You will be happier if you learn to ignore their weaknesses or simply avoid the speakers who offend you in favor of others.
    – Xanne
    Commented Jun 6, 2022 at 0:46
  • Your question does not really seem to be one that's a good match for our site. People get annoyed about language all the time; this hurts only the person themself. Might try Interpersonal Skills.
    – tchrist ♦
    Commented Jun 6, 2022 at 2:34
  • @tchrist It's not on topic for IPS because it's OP's personal problem, not an interpersonal one.
    – Laurel ♦
    Commented Jun 6, 2022 at 2:41
  • @Laurel I am reminded of Fry&Laurie's many word-aversion sketches. It's a personal problem but by no means an uncommon one according to Language Log.
    – tchrist ♦
    Commented Jun 6, 2022 at 3:08
  • I like "triggered" as proposed. Also maybe you are "hypersensitive to verbal tics." I refuse to listen to a speaker who overuses "like," so I can relate to your problem. Are you a sensory avoider in general? Do you suffer from intrusive thoughts? / In the 60's there was a popular recording of someone overfocusing on his own tongue, who gradually got to the point of hardly being able to speak.
    – aparente001
    Commented Jun 6, 2022 at 4:56

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0

It sounds like you are triggered by those words:

trigger verb
3 : to cause an intense and usually negative emotional reaction in (someone)
// Water had a way of triggering my brother and making ordinary, everyday weather take a frightening turn for the worse. — Ingrid Law
Source: Merriam-Webster

That's one word for your sensitive reaction. You'll need to seek help for it elsewhere.

Improve this answer
2
  • What's wrong with bothered or annoyed or angered or aggrieved or freaked out — you know, solid words that everybody knows what means without checking their hipster dictionary. :)
    – tchrist ♦
    Commented Jun 6, 2022 at 2:35
  • @tchrist - Triggered is commonly used by teens and young adults.
    – aparente001
    Commented Jun 6, 2022 at 4:47

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.