Most Annoying Words, Phrases For 2017: Marist Poll

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — I’m sure it’s an age thing, but whatever. For the ninth consecutive year, Americans think that “whatever” is the most annoying word or phrase used in casual conversation, according to a poll by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. While “whatever” received 38 percent last year, it has gone down a touch in its ability to annoy. This year, 33 percent of Americans consider it to be the most annoying — and it still comes in on top.

“Fake news” — a new addition to the list — makes its debut at second place with 23 percent, followed closely by “no offense, but” at 20 percent.

Literally, 11 percent think “literally” is the most grating word used in conversation.

And I think you know what I mean when I say “you know what I mean” is considered most agitating by 10 percent of the people.

“Since 2015 we have seen a narrowing between ‘whatever’ and the rest of the list,” said Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.

“It has been more that 20 years since ‘whatever’ first gained infamy in the movie ‘Clueless.’ While the word irks older Americans, those who are younger might not find ‘whatever’ to be so annoying,” he said.

When broken down by age, a plurality of U.S. residents 45 and older — or 40 percent — think “whatever” is the most annoying spoken word, according to the Marist Poll.

In contrast, only 26 percent of Americans under 45 consider “whatever” to be the most grating word or phrase.

“No offense, but” is more bothersome to that age group — at 28 percent.

Last year's list was, in order of most annoying, “whatever,” “no offense, but,” “you know, right,” “I can’t even” and “huge.”

The Marist Poll surveyed 1,074 adults, 18 years of age or older, between Nov. 6 and Nov. 9.

For complete methodology for this Marist Poll, go here.

Photo credit: Michael Woyton/Patch Staff.