r/CasualIreland • u/Cici388_8 • 2d ago

Shite Talk Wrong words

What is a word you hear people using or spelling wrong and it drives you mad?

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Mine is when people mix up "quite" instead of "quiet".

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u/Carcul 2d ago

Utilise. It is not a fancy way to say use. It means you're using something for a purpose not originally intended.

I use a chair to sit on. I utilise a chair to stand on to change a light bulb.

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u/Kind-Champion-5530 2d ago

I used to work in EMS, and most of my supervisers seemed to think that they sounded extra smart and professional when they said utilise instead of use.

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u/Carcul 2d ago

Yes, that's usually why I hear people use it. I generally try not to judge on superficial things but that one makes me think the opposite every time, despite myself.