Words...Confused, Abused or Diffused?

Sometimes we think and speak so quickly, our language gets blurred, or substituted...often incorrectly. It's easy to get in the habit of using non-words or words inappropriately, and in our passive-aggressive "say nothing" society, rarely will someone tell you to your face, but behind your back, or in the listener's mind, use of words incorrectly or non-words takes away from your positive impact on him or her.

Four of the most commonly heard poorly used language selections have been: flustrated, irregardless, orientated, and waylayed.

Yes, people get flustered (nervous or upset). Yes, people get frustrated (Thwarted or prevented from attaining a desire). People are not FLUStrated. Choose one of the words, and use it. Examples are 1) "She was flustered by the bees around the food and kept swatting at them.", and 2) "She was frustrated when it became necessary to move the picnic indoors." Sure things happen regardless of circumstances.

Regardless means in spite of everything. There is no need to make it the reverse of in spite of everything, and the "ir" in front of regardless does not make it "more so". An example is "I am going to the outdoor concert regardless of the weather."

Orientation is when we go through the process of being oriented. We attend school or work orientations. Getting oriented for direction or position in a location is correct, and is stated as "I got oriented quickly before driving in my rental car." in this example. One does not get orienTAted.

We are delayed, and that can make us tardy for events. We are not waylayed, unless we are first waylayed (surprised/ambushed), and second, delayed. People often think WAYlayed means DElayed, where waylayed means surprised by ambush!

So, imagine these all used together in this humorous statement "The construction detour waylayed me, which flustrated me, but irregardless, I got orientated quickly.", instead of the appropriately stated sentence "the construction detour delayed me, which was frustrating, but regardless, I quickly got oriented to the new routes and roads."!

Have fun with these, and if you notice others, please share them with me for further fun, growth and learning. Make it a well-communicated day...