What are the English expressions that annoy you the most? Why do they annoy you so much? Are you like me and get all prickly when literally and like are liberally sprinkled throughout conversation? And how do you deal with teaching annoying language in the ESOL classroom?[1]
The word ‘annoying’ points to something that is irritating, troublesome, and tiresome. It originates in the old French anuier meaning, ‘to weary or vex’ and the Latin inodiare, ‘to make loathsome.’ [2] Think about that next time you use an annoying expression!
When I entered the teaching profession years ago, jargon monoxide at the time consisted of getting ducks in a row, reinventing the wheel, and thinking outside the box. Isn’t it amazing that people used to talk like that.
And remember when a certain, bespoke internet search engine transitioned from being a noun to also a verb. These days, however, my teenage daughters search it up. Now it seems that any noun can be a verb: You’re not just an adult, you’re adulting. You’re not just making a friend, you’re friending. Cringe.
What about being constantly reminded that we are in the new normal? And just what does this mean exactly? Grin and bear it, perhaps. And it’s true that as a society, we’re pretty much used to reports of violence, dictators, fake news, and race inequality in our world. But wait a minute. My bad. These things have been going on, well, like, forever. Going forward, perhaps we could do with reminding that our world has never been anything but normal.
For me, surely one of the most annoying expressions of recent times must be deep dive. Something like the bends hit me the other day when my manager told me we were going diving together. Apart from the image of my manager and I in swimwear together, I basically got the impression we needed to examine some neglected admin.
Surely, an alternative could have been ‘taking a good look at my work’? Well what to do? It is what it is (i.e. I need to accept the situation but have nothing helpful to contribute, and don’t want to stop talking just yet).
Surprise, surprise – work-based jargon is commonplace with one study suggesting that 94 per cent of workers are exposed to it.[3] What is striking, however, is that a good chunk of those very same people may be a bit fuzzy on the meaning of such language. Is it only me that finds that a tad worrisome?
Phrases guaranteed to irritate your co-workers
- Can I borrow you for a sec? (13%)
- How long is a piece of string? (11%)
- Think outside the box (11%)
- Keep me in the loop (9%)
The most overused sayings in the workplace
- Can I borrow you for a sec? (41%)
- Think outside the box (35%)
- Keep me in the loop (34%)
- Get the ball rolling (34%)
As ESOL practitioners, we need to be passionate in getting to grips with jargon, idiomatic language, and figures of speech[4] – which often add spice to communication and get into the heart of culture but are also minefields to understand and interact with. However, preparing our learners to cope with inevitable mis-use and misunderstandings is surely part of the language-learning process. The task remains for ESOL teachers to gauge which expressions are really worth teaching and learning.[5]
But hang on a minute. Some may argue that rather than avoiding such language, we need to point our leaners towards expressions that are both helpful and beautiful. Some of the finest prose, speeches, and poetry has been produced in English – which can help our learners extend their vocabulary and convey complex ideas.[6]
Like the word ‘pop’ for instance.[7] I can pop round to your house, pop my signature down on a form, or pop my ballot paper in the box.[8] What a lovely, pithy, and versatile bit of vocab.[9]
We need to be mindful that such ‘insider language’ – however celebrated – cuts both ways. Language can help to express relationship and camaraderie or just the opposite – emphasising differences and division. Common ground – or lack thereof – is effectively highlighted by language – underlining the way in which knowledge, influence, and power are implemented and shared.[10]
Take for instance, how the ESOL profession uses the term pedagogical which, let’s be honest, is both a horrid word to say and look at. It’s bandied about with the expectation that everyone knows what it means. We could just say ‘theory or approach to teaching’ but let’s face it, it sounds impressive to roll out the ‘p’ word’. Or when was the last time you used a dictogloss[11] or realia[12] in your classroom? You get the idea.
It is clear that annoying expressions are here to stay even as new ones get coined and catch on. But the purpose of calling out these words and phrases out is manifold: we want to have fun with language and draw in as many people into the party as possible. Then there’s our desire as ESOL teachers to help prepare our learners for the linguistic adventures they will find themselves in. In short, we’re after effective communication.
ESOL teachers have the privilege of meeting diverse groups of learners sitting together – often people who would seldom interact together outside of class.[13] As we help people with their linguistic needs, we sometimes have opportunities to share about the hope that we have. And it seems one in three of our non-Christian friends are open to talking more about Jesus.[14]
So let’s cut to the chase. We need to share the gospel. But at the same time having the self-awareness and skill to employ certain language with particular people. Like Jesus, we can employ story and metaphor to a certain extent but with the knowledge that this style of communication brings its own hazards.[15]
Depending on context, we may need to tone down and explain our Christian-ese (e.g. ‘getting saved’, ‘inviting Jesus into my heart’, ‘going to heaven’ for instance). We might want to sidestep potential animosity with specific communities by knowing the Christian phrases and expressions that would instantly alienate them and leading instead with terms and language that would be better understood. For example, beginning with ‘Word of God’ rather than ‘Son of God’ to describe Jesus as he is first described in John 1. Even then, we will need to explain!
At the end of the day, let’s be people known for employing language – even annoying expressions from time to time – that draw people in with shared understanding. With the goal of better relationships and opportunities to signpost Jesus.
Colossians 4 reminds us to conduct ourselves with wisdom towards outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let our speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so we know how to respond to each person. And with that, I’m going to leave you now to pick your brains about what that might look like.
Written by: Daniel Whetham (July 2024). As ‘Regional Developer’ for Manchester, Daniel reaches out to churches in order to set up and run English classes. With some blue sky thinking, he also researches trends in ESOL, government policy, and movements of International people in the UK in order to consider how best to respond with amazing English language provision in the love of Christ.
Footnotes
[1] ESOL=English to Speakers of Other Languages. Marginally better than ESL – English as a second language and EFL – English as a Foreign Language.
[2] Delightful origins of words found at https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/annoying (accessed July 24)
[3] A selection of top annoying phrases compiled by the good people at Reed are listed in the box above for your perusal. See https://www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/revealed-10-annoying-office-phrases/ (accessed July 24).
[4] ‘Jargon’ is technical vocabulary used specifically in a particular organisation or within a specific community. Idiomatic language – or management/corporate speak – is a fixed set of expressions used typically in business contexts. See https://theconversation.com/looking-under-the-bonnet-of-annoying-management-speak-61443 (accessed July 24).
[5] I feel that learners still need to understand antiquated expressions such as ‘raining cats and dogs’ alongside strong encouragement never to ever actually use them. Well, maybe now and then for laughs. I always smiled when my Japanese friend enthusiastically notified me that he was brushing up his English.
[6] ‘What is done is done’ was coined and revived by Shakespeare while Dickens came up with inspirations such as ‘abuzz’. For more delights from Dickens head to: https://proofed.co.uk/writing-tips/eight-words-invented-by-charles-dickens-and-one-that-was-not/. Shakespeare’s gems can be found at: https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-phrases/ (both accessed July 24).
[7] Want to immediately sound British? Start learning how to use ‘pop’ on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebeccas_english_hub/video/7318087932584185120 (accessed July 24).
[8] For a madcap ride through all things ‘pop’ head to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mb6music/A37676613 (accessed July 24).
[9] What other word can be a noun, adjective, adverb, verb depending on usage: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/pop (accessed July 24).
[10] I appreciated the balanced thoughts about jargon in https://theconversation.com/looking-under-the-bonnet-of-annoying-management-speak-61443 (accessed July 24).
[11] Check out https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/professional-development/teachers/knowing-subject/d-h/dictogloss for the delights of the dictogloss. (accessed July 24)
[12] Realia describes everyday items that teachers and volunteers can bring into class to be used as an illustration or resource. Why not bring in some clothing or kitchen items next class as a surprise.
[13] Big up to Jirka for this classroom pic – https://www.flickr.com/photos/jirka_matousek/8482313304 (accessed July 24)
[14] Useful nuggets here for those yearning to share more about their faith in Jesus: https://talkingjesus.org/research (accessed July 24)
[15] Think about the time Jesus tried to awake spiritual curiosity in his students but they started wondering who had brought him food (John 4:33). Or when Jesus spoke about his imminent departure to the Father and people mused whether he would travel to another region or kill himself (John 7:33–36; 8:21–22).