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Language

'NY Times' Writer Really, Really Hates the Overuse of the Phrase "Really?"

by | October 2nd, 2012

"I could successfully argue that the 'Really?' epidemic on scripted shows is lazy writing; why do the hard work of spinning meaningful dialogue when you can grab a cheap laugh with a single word? But I’m more concerned about the role these TV 'Reallys?' are playing in the continuing collapse of society."

- New York Times writer Neil Genzlinger singles out SNL, The Daily Show, and The League, amongst other shows, in his piece about the overuse of the phrase "Really?" in scripted television. Good thing Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler are too busy to make a "Really!?! with Seth and Amy" spin-off because it would cause this columnist's [...]

Language

Should "Retarded" be Retired from the Comedic Lexicon?

by | March 3rd, 2011

I learned about Spread the Word to End the Word on Ellen Seidman’s blog, Love That Max. Seidman’s son, Max, has cerebral palsy, and Seidman wrote a very thoughtful post about why the word "retarded," or the "R-word" as it’s called by the organization of the same name, should no longer be used. Seidman spent the day on Twitter yesterday sending users whose Tweets contained the words ‘retard’ or ‘retarded’ a simple message: “Hi. Mom of kids with disabilities here. The word 'retard' is demeaning.” One user told her to go fuck herself, and another asked how the “photo wrecker” was. (Ouch.) Other users were more open [...]

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