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This Independence Day, we want freedom from these 12 phrases

Because, it's India's 69th Independence Day, it's just the time to review the following 12 words and phrases, and consider banning them from your vocabulary.

Updated on: Mar 5, 2017, 09:54:53 IST
Hindustan Times | By
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Let's be honest. Sometimes people (men, boys, women and girls) kind of annoy the hell out of us. And kids: Sometimes even they can be really annoying in the tiny things they say. (In fact, more so, when they won't shut their pie holes.)

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So, there are a lot of comments, words and phrases we hear everyday that we are tired of hearing. They make us really angry: Things like, "Are you on your period or something?". Before we even go any further, please, don't be an ignorant idiot and stop saying that forever. (Sorry. It's a sore subject.)

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(Gifs: Tumblr, Giphy)

We're not the only one with pet peeves. There are few things people say that need to be banned for good, because, guess what, there's even a Reddit thread about it. Yes, we want 'cray-cray', 'bae', 'aww' and many more useless (yes, we're calling them that, because, they are) words to be banned for good.

But, because, it's India's 69th Independence Day, it's just the time to review the following 12 words and phrases, and consider banning them from your vocabulary.

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1 "I'm not like others"
Umm... okay? Because others are all the same and you're like this special unicorn? Who are you, anyway?

2 "It's not fair!"
Kids say this all the tome: At the school, at home, in the playground, at the dining table. You're right kid. Life isn't fair. But you know what's really not fair? The fact that we have to listen to you complain about how unfair it all is ALL. THE. TIME.

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3 "I don't read"
This is usually accompanied by a cooler-than-thou sneer, like reading is some inexcusable offence. We can completely understand not having time to read regularly or preferring other hobbies, but you don't read? Ever? We can't and won't believe that. You're dismissing one of the greatest activities of all-time, probably to appear cooler than you actually are. It actually just makes you look unintelligent and boring.

4 "Ugh, I look so fat right now" or "Do I look fat right now? Be honest"
Whenever you say stuff like this, you're just coming across as a self-obsessed girl with low self-esteem. Stop. Be confident in how you look and don't bash yourself to other people. Also, don't ask others if you look fat. It makes people uncomfortable and it makes it seem like you're just looking for compliments, which is desperate.

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5"That's so gay/retarded"
It's 2014. How do people still not realise how offensive comments like these are?!

6"I can't right now" or "I can't even"
Have you seen that meme that said, "Wow this is crazy: over 30,000 girls 'literally die' every year because they 'actually can't right now'." If it weren't so hilarious, we would have been slightly offended, considering we say that exact statement at least once a day. But despite the fact that saying things like, "I can't right now" or "I'm literally going to die" is just part of our everyday vocabulary, even we can admit that it can get annoying fast. And you know what? We should probably stop saying it.

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7"I'm taking time off to find myself"
You're unemployed and/or don't know what to do with your life. Admitting it is the first step.

8"I don't like Harry Potter"
Take it back! You clearly either don't have a soul or you're lying to intentionally piss someone off. Either way, you're on many people's hate list.

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9"I hate my life"
This is another over-dramatic statement that you don't mean. It sounds so... We don't know... princess-y?

10 "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels"
Have you had pizza? Paneer pakoda? Ice cream? Freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies? The list of foods that taste much better than skinny feels goes on and on. We won't be convinced otherwise.

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11 "A woman's place is in the home"
Don't even get us started on this one. A woman's place is wherever she chooses to be. If that place is in the home, great. If it isn't, that's great too. It's her choice, not yours. Enough said: Just knock it off.

"Are you PMSing or something?"

Please stop using the word "PMSing" (As in, what is wrong with you? Are you PMSing or something?") as a verb to describe actions that do not give you pleasure. Please understand: A woman has a uterus. It is her nature to have a uterus. It is her nature to menstruate. Menstruation is a gift that indicates a healthy body and gives women the superpower to have babies. When you use the word "PMSing," you disrespect her nature. You tell her that who she is by nature is bad and displeasing. So, #Dont.

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Raise your hand if these are phrases that you have seen/heard enough of and they just put you off. Got any more? Add them in the comments below!

  • Sanya Panwar
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Sanya Panwar

    With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More

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