What is a word you feel that too many people use?

In the years 2006 thru 2010 when I was working for myself as a people photographer shooting weddings, engagements, bridal sessions, senior photos, and family sessions. I remember, especially in the years 2008 to 2010, arranging the people to set up the shot. When I would get a person in the ideal placement for the photo, I would say, “Perfect!” I don’t remember hearing that word other than when I proclaimed their perfect placement and asked them not to move.

In the fall of 2010, I began working for a doctor as his receptionist. I remember that following year recognizing that people were using the word “perfect” instead of saying “that’s great” or even when a simple “thank you” would suffice. Had I started a trend? Or was it there all along, but I just became aware of it?

I had never heard it used in the context in which it was now being used. And, overused, I might add. It reached a point of overuse over a short few years, in fact. So much so that I purposely avoided using it.

It has become a source of irritation when, for example, I hand someone my debit card for payment or if I am checking in at a hotel and need to show them my debit card and driver’s license. They look the cards over and exclaim, “perfect” in place of a simple “thank you” while handing the cards back to me. The worst example is when they give a long, drawn-out, high-pitched version of the word: “Perrrr fect!”

Ugh… Gag me with a spoon! 😉