# Words/expressions I want to be eliminated from usage RIGHT NOW TODAY ENOUGH ALREADY! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 5, 2014, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609 "2014-09-05T20:02:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/361 "2014-11-22T03:09:23Z")
> [@HowSoonIsThen](#): > > I hate how “cowardly” is always thrown around whenever something bad happens. Yes, thugs who beat up people on the street are terrible human beings and ISIS are pretty evil. In what way, though, are they “cowardly” or “cowards”? Agreed. Most of the people being called “cowards” are risking pain and social disapproval that I’d never risk. They’re awful and deserve to be disembowled, but cowards? Maybe, but I’m not sure until I face them in a fistfight. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/362 "2014-11-22T12:02:46Z")
> [@Doug\_K](#): > > A word I would like to see eliminated, not from usage, but misusage is cover, referring to song recordings. Especially since it gets misused by so many in the industry, who should know better. A new recording of an older song is not a cover. Cover has a more [specific](http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1683&dat=19960827&id=ZCYqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AS4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=6780,1243972) [meaning](http://www.history-of-rock.com/cover_remake.htm). So then, my friend’s local band that plays “classic rock” and doesn’t do any original numbers, and advertises themselves as a “classic rock cover band” is wrong and worthy of censure? ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/363 "2014-11-22T12:28:46Z")
> [@Doug\_K](#): > > A word I would like to see eliminated, not from usage, but misusage is cover, referring to song recordings. Especially since it gets misused by so many in the industry, who should know better. A new recording of an older song is not a cover. Cover has a more [specific](http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1683&dat=19960827&id=ZCYqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AS4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=6780,1243972) [meaning](http://www.history-of-rock.com/cover_remake.htm). Hmm. The columnist in the first link, at the end of the column, incorrectly identifies polka star, Frankie Yankovic, as ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic’s dad. The two aren’t related. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/364 "2014-11-22T13:43:56Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > So then, my friend’s local band that plays “classic rock” and doesn’t do any original numbers, and advertises themselves as a “classic rock cover band” is wrong and worthy of censure? Well, since by definition, I don’t think there can be any new classic rock songs, why can’t they just be a “classic rock band”? Even if that weren’t an incorrect use of cover, it would be redundant. I’m not personally going to take them to task for it, because I don’t care that much about this one in particular, though. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/365 "2014-11-22T14:40:34Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > Well, since by definition, I don’t think there can be any new classic rock songs, **why can’t they just be a “classic rock band”**? Even if that weren’t an incorrect use of cover, it would be redundant. I’m not personally going to take them to task for it, because I don’t care that much about this one in particular, though. My bold. Exactly. What does the word “cover” add? If they’re playing “classic rock” songs today, then they’re obviously playing other people’s music. Nuttin’ wrong with that. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/366 "2014-11-22T14:55:48Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > My bold. > > Exactly. What does the word “cover” add? If they’re playing “classic rock” songs today, then they’re obviously playing other people’s music. Nuttin’ wrong with that. Well, to me it has a meaning. Maybe “classic rock” was a bad choice. There are blues bands that do their own work and there are blues band that just do covers. Same with every other genre I can think of. Besides, [the bands themselves use the term.](https://www.gigmasters.com/search/cover-band-pittsburgh-pa) And a “cover band” is different from a “tribute band”, even though tribute bands often describe themselves as “_band name_ cover” bands. ---
**Author:** ![Jeff\_Lichtman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeff_lichtman/32/1531_2.png) [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/367 "2014-11-22T15:33:58Z")
Semantic drift happens, and there’s little you can do about it. The word “cover” has a specific meaning in the record industry and among music historians, but the public uses it to mean something else. That usage has become so common that any effort to get people to switch back to its original meaning is unlikely to get anywhere. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/368 "2014-11-22T16:06:27Z")
Maybe we need a poll. To me, a cover means an attempt to reproduce a song pretty much the way the original artist did it. A remake has some very significant change, like using a different set of instruments, or significantly changing the beat and tempo. Anything else is just “such and such band’s version” of a song. Judy Collins covered Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides” now, but she has versions of a number of folksongs, like “Simple Gifts.” CCR remade “Susie Q,” and Ike and Tina Turner remade CCR’s “Proud Mary.” You can argue with my definitions, but please don’t argue with my examples, because they’re off the top of my head, and I’m really not prepared to defend them. If you actually don’t understand what I mean, that’s one thing, but I’m just trying to explain how I use the words. The examples are throwaways. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/369 "2014-11-22T17:38:03Z")
Re: song covers… Is [wikipédia wrong here?](http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folsom_Prison_Blues#Cover_versions) ---
**Author:** ![btthegreat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f4b2a3/32.png) [@btthegreat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/btthegreat)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/370 "2014-11-22T17:51:14Z")
Haven’t read the thread. "I go, ‘and so you think you know better?’, then she goes ’ I know you be a slut!’, then I went,’ look who the skank is calling a slut’. Anyone have a clue how many synonyms exist for the word ‘said’ already. The verb ‘to go’ needs to mean to leave. " ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/371 "2014-11-22T18:21:40Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Re: song covers… Is [wikipédia wrong here?](http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folsom_Prison_Blues#Cover_versions) Without actually answering the question, I’m going to interject that technically it would not be “Wikipedia” that is wrong; it would be whoever wrote that particular article. I could go edit it right now, and change “cover versions” to “notable recordings.” Or I could change it to “ball peen hammer.” ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/372 "2014-11-22T18:26:37Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > Without actually answering the question, I’m going to interject that technically it would not be “Wikipedia” that is wrong; it would be whoever wrote that particular article. I could go edit it right now, and change “cover versions” to “notable recordings.” Or I could change it to “ball peen hammer.” 😃 You are, indeed, correct. Please do neither, however. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/373 "2014-11-22T18:41:55Z")
I love the expression “ball peen hammer,” and I hope it never goes away and never changes. In fact, I wish people would use it more. In fact, I’d like to see “ball peen hammer” substituted for every single one of the offensive words/expressions used in this thread. For example, “My cousin plays in a classic rock _ball peen hammer_ band.” “Mary Lou is three months pregnant and her _ball peen hammer_ is starting to show.” “We can’t send \*ball peen hammers \*on the ground to Syria.” ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/374 "2014-11-22T18:45:28Z")
[Heh.](http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Ballpeen+Hammer) ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/375 "2014-11-22T19:27:07Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > [Heh.](http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Ballpeen+Hammer) :eek: ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/376 "2014-11-22T21:57:39Z")
My favorite sexual euphemism is “punctuated equilibrium,” as in, “See that gorgeous guy by the dessert table? I’d totally let him punctuate my equilibrium.” ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/377 "2014-11-22T22:12:26Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > What does the word “cover” add? If they’re playing “classic rock” songs today, then they’re obviously playing other people’s music. Not true. People do write original music in classic-rock styles. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/378 "2014-11-22T22:32:19Z")
I can write a novel in the style of Thomas Hardy, but that won’t make it a Victorian novel. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/379 "2014-11-22T22:34:39Z")
> [@Peremensoe](#): > > Not true. People do write original music in classic-rock styles. “Classic rock _style_” isn’t the same thing as actual classic rock that was written back when. See my quibble over _classic_ above. I still think it’s pointless to include the word _cover_ in the name of the band, but I’m not going to report them to the Band Naming Police. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2014, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609/380 "2014-11-22T23:22:28Z")
The terms “cover band” or “tribute band” are very practical: they are (depending on your attitude) a warning, or a reassurance, that you will hear mostly/exclusively old, familiar material. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-expressions-i-want-to-be-eliminated-from-usage-right-now-today-enough-already/697609.md?page=20)