I just thought of another one I hate: “talking points.” Even worse, “talking points memo.” The grammar is so disjointed; it’s a very ugly phrase.
That sounds like corporate lingo, and I’ve been out of the corporate world for a long time.
What does “talking points” mean?
I have a friend who says “don’t take this the wrong way” which invariably means you are about to be insulted, but she gets your permission to do so first. Also, those who use “do you understand” lots and lots of times during a conversation. I had a bloke on the phone the other day at work who said it so often I wanted to scratch out my own eyes.
It seems more that “talking points” is from politics, and making sure that everyone “is on the same page” with a message. e.g., after one party will say or do something, the other party will go on the Sunday morning shows and everyone will have the same message.
Does it bother me when people ask themselves questions and then answer it? No, it makes me want to fucking strangle them.
Do I think that this habit will continue? No, because I’ll get rid of offenders, one at a time.