Move on! Carbon copy & 15 other phrases you need to stop using NOW!
Ever stared blankly or cringed with embarrassment after your parents/relatives/older relatives used a phrase that not only sounds ancient but also doesn't make sense any more? If you've rolled your eyes often enough and need your folks to stop using these archaic statements, this is the list you can show them.
Here, Catch presents 16 phrases that people need to stop using immediately!
1. Greetings
'Greetings! How are you doing today?'
'Earthlings' is all that's missing here. Seriously, stop. The term is now outdated. Instead, just say 'Hi' or 'Hello'. Enough said.
2. Hang up the phone
'Hang up the phone' made sense when people used the (now ancient) telephones, also referred to as landlines. When it was time to disconnect, one kept the telephone receiver down. Hence, 'Hang up the phone'.
Obviously, no one's really hanging up now as it is the era of mobiles. On a smartphone, you 'disconnect a call'. So do just that. Disconnect!
Also Read: Child obsessed with smartphones? 7 fun learning apps kids under 5 will love
3. Like a broken record (tape)
This means repeating something over and over again. The expression will make sense for your grandma when vinyl records were in! So quit trying to repeat what obviously can't be...Unless you live an alternate reality.
A scratch or crack on vinyl records caused the record to malfunction and the same tune would play repeatedly, much to everyone's woes.
Vinyl records don't exist anymore. So it's time to let go of this expression. Unless you want to set a record. In using obsolete terms.
4. Hold your horses
The phrase was used for horse-drawn carriages, when it was necessary to hold the horses to maintain the carriage speed. The phrase meant 'don't run so fast' and denoted patience.Now, thanks to the Industrial Revolution and automobiles, we have cars. Cars that run on engines, which function on fuel. So fuel up and speed away from the ancient phrase.
5. Blow off some steam
Earlier, 'blow off some steam' referred to getting rid of pent-up energy or strong emotions. Steam engines blew off steam. About half a century ago. You don't. Anymore.
6. Carbon copy
This is from times beyond. When there were no emails, floppy disks or copy machines. This from a time when we'd keep a thin black-and-blue paper beneath the page and then write. You don't anymore.
7. Do the needful
Please do the needful.
Ok. Sure, and then, I'll write a facebook post on it.
No one uses that anymore.
Specify what needs to be done. And don't be so full of yourself!
Also Read: Too much sex can cause breast cancer & other hilarious ancient beliefs about the disease
8. Out of station
This term was used when the Brits were busy colonising us. When some one went out, it was called 'out of station'.
Now, we just say 'out of town' and 'Bye'. Like we did to the Brits. Gettit?
9. Kodak moment
'Kodak moment' refers to a moment that is worth capturing with a photograph. The term was popularised by firm Kodak, they of the roll of films.
Now, most us capture moments on our DSLRs, and cellphones. The phrase went out of fashion a decade ago. Its moment in the sun is done. Leave it, please.
10. Kindly
'Kindly revert'. 'Kindly, do the needful.'Kindly stop using 'kindly' because kindly is not that kind anymore.
11. Only
'Yes, I am writing about only, only.'
'Only' is often used by us, Indians, to over-emphasise a fact. It's time to get rid of the word. Otherwise, not ONLY will you not be taken seriously, you'll also be the ONLY one to use that term.
12. Four corners of the earth
This made more sense when people referred to the flat world map from the good old days. When the earth literally meant the four corners of the map.
But now, with globes, smart apps and Google Earth, the phrase makes no sense anymore. There no more corners, people. Except the one we shove each other into.
Also Read: Beware! Here are India's 22 fake universities
13. Taping
Remember those days when we'd record our favorite songs on cassette or 'tape' a show. Those good ol' days of tape recorders!
We don't tape stuff anymore. We record...stuff. Or just download a file. So tape the urge to use that phrase please.
14. As per your request
A phrase often shared in formal business mails. Instead, just say 'as asked' or 'as requested'. Please. This is a request.
15. Yours sincerely
An expression that was meant to gap the bridge between formal and casual emails. It's obsolete now! Instead, say 'Cheers', or simply 'Thanks'. Really.
16. Yours Truly
Another expression similar to 'Yours Sincerely'. Just write 'Regards'. Truly.
And that's all for today, folks.
Edited by Abha Srivastava
First published: 27 October 2016, 11:13 IST
