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Misspoken

A list of 15 words by thtownse.

About

I enjoy mistakes and I like to collect them. I enjoy hearing people who are non-native English speakers mangle idioms, but even some of our own Presidents might say them too. It has a deeper level too - these people are trying to fit into English-speaking society and so there is perhaps more to these little phrases than meets the ear. I hope noone takes offense by this list - it is intended in good-natured fun; I'd be interested in your views if they differ.

Comments

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  • misterpolly commented on the list misspoken

    Firstable - coined by one of my (Italian) students of English. Read first of all.

    December 7, 2007

  • thtownse commented on the list misspoken

    That's flan-tastic. Thanks

    December 7, 2007

  • bilby commented on the list misspoken

    Italians also say things like "third of all" when they mean "thirdly". I mean, first of all or last of all sound right to me because first or last is a special place in a given order and "of all" puts that into perspective. But third? Perhaps it's a calque from Italian rhetorical style.

    December 7, 2007

  • thtownse commented on the list misspoken

    Thanks, bilby. Sounds like a clear case of cross-pollination.

    December 7, 2007

  • rolig commented on the list misspoken

    A friend of mine once said of someone who had recently passed away: "He was the stepping-stone of his family." It was a sad occasion, of course . . .

    December 7, 2007

  • reesetee commented on the list misspoken

    This one might be too long, thtownse, but I fondly remember corresponding with a Malaysian businessman who was trying his best to learn English. He'd always sign his letters with "I remain with my best sincerely wishes." Always loved that.

    December 7, 2007

  • plethora commented on the list misspoken

    How about "I could care less"?

    March 13, 2008

  • oroboros commented on the list misspoken

    thtownse: if you haven't read Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer check it out. It's chock-a-block with hilarious "misspeakings".

    May 7, 2008

  • 1462220338 commented on the list misspoken

    I like using the word "jive" to mean "jibe", as in your recollection doesn't jibe with mine. I hear it all the time.

    September 25, 2010

  • fbharjo commented on the list misspoken

    all in the missed-spelled! I am being reckful!

    September 25, 2010

  • thtownse commented on the list misspoken

    "reckful" LOL

    September 25, 2010

  • thtownse commented on the list misspoken

    Actually now you mention it I really like the word "jibe".

    September 25, 2010