Bastardization of words

This is a very unique thread. In fact, it's one of the most unique I've ever seen on this site ...

 

that one bugs me greatly

 

I caught myself typing "scant little evidence" the other day. I chuckled. Folks in the office looked at me and wondered why I chuckled. They'll never know. You do. Feel the privilege.

 

I feel it a tad bit.

 

I do not like the practice of using the word "simply" in explaining why an occurence was anything but simple, as in "Treehorn's 98-yard interception return through traffic was simply unbelievable."

I understand there is some lexicological ground for using the word that way, but the word's other, more common meanings do not mesh with that usage in my opinion. There are better, clearer words to use in such situations.

Also, I don't like it when people say something is "out of this world." No, it isn't...at least not in sports.

 

Making reference to or referring to. Not "referencing."

 

Historical, when historic is meant.
Went missing, when lost or disappeared is meant.
Off of, at any stinkin' time.
Fourth annual is all right. First annual, no. Use inaugural if necessary.

 

No love for "due to" (almost always used incorrectly) vs. "because of"?

???

 

The train is due to run over a homeless man sleeping on the tracks at 4:10 a.m. Right or wrong?

 

... scheduled to ....

 

Right ... but wrong for the homeless man to be sleeping on the tracks.

 

*ESPN anchors constantly "welcome in" guests, reporters and correspondents. Just welcome them, willya?

*"Joe Blow threw three touchdowns."
No, he threw three touchdown passes, or he threw for three touchdowns. I'd like to see him even pick up a touchdown, much less try to throw it.

*Second on "score the ball."