Friday, February 5, 2016

Amazed at Use of "Amazing."

amazing [əˈmeɪzɪŋ]
adj
causing wonder or astonishment amazing feats

Writers overuse the word "amazing." This adjective is everywhere these days. 

How can everything  -- events, places, people, hair products, business start-ups, ski vacations, etc. -- ... cause wonder or astonishment..?

They can't, of course. We've gotten lazy. 

"Amazing" is an un-amazing, and soulless modifier. It's lost its ability to clarify and enhance. The word shows up in front of nouns when writers can't think of another word to use.

Reminds me of "awesome" not too long ago. Everything was awesome. Ugh.

Or, "far out." I'm dating myself here. 

My mother would admonish: if you can't find something good to say about someone, then don't say anything. By extension, if you can't find a more descriptive and enriching adjective than amazing, then don't use anything.

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