Really, just stop. It’s time to say bye to some of the popular lingo and find more eloquent ways to get our feelings across, or just stop using them altogether. I have compiled a list of irritating sayings and slang terms that we really need to stop turning to.

No offense, but…

This one really grinds my gears. It’s so obvious that whatever you’re going to say in the rest of this sentence is going to be offensive, so why even bother with this mini disclaimer? Is it really going to make things better? Is that really going to soften the blow of a sentiment like, “Oh, hey Billy. No offense, but I think your girlfriend is really fat and ugly, just thought you should know.” Yeah, I highly doubt it. Apart from the little plug being ineffective, it’s also annoying because if you’re going to be offensive, just own up to it! If you want to insult Billy’s girlfriend that badly, just go for it. Don’t add your little, “No offense, but…” It’s not fooling anybody (especially not Billy or his girlfriend). Or here’s a bright idea, maybe stop saying inherently offensive things. I cannot even count how many times I’ve randomly had someone come up to me and say something like, “No offense, but (insert random racially offensive thought here),” and had the person pat my back and walk away nonchalantly like it was all OK. Don’t delude yourself into thinking this phrase works on anyone.

She’s basic, yo.

I am not even sure how this one cropped up. Urban Dictionary claims the term “basic” refers to someone, usually the girl in question, who is “unsophisticated.” OK, kind of makes sense, but come on, what does this really mean? A girl is simple? Is she elementary? Are you referring to the acidity (or lack thereof) of her stomach? If she really is basic, then you might want to consider rushing her to the hospital because a basic stomach environment is not healthy. But seriously, “basic” is grossly overused and shouldn’t be the ideal word choice when there are options like “uncultured” or “unsophisticated” in our lexicon. English is a rich and generative language; don’t substitute its terms for random crap like “basic.”

Sorry I’m not sorry.

Um hello, are you still a pre-teen in middle school? Unless you are an angst ridden pre-pubescent child going through various identity changes, you have no reason to seriously use this term. This is probably one of the most pretentious phrases out there. You’re about to be apologetic, but then you’re saying the complete opposite — you’re apologetic about not being apologetic which basically renders the apology as useless, and the worst part is that that’s the point. It’s already obvious that you are not remorseful about whatever atrocity you committed — apologizing about not caring just emphasizes that fact. Don’t be childish, either say sorry or don’t say anything.

“YOLO.”

You only live once. Thank you, Drake, for introducing this delightfully insightful acronym into all of our lives. People definitely don’t overuse this one. I have never heard anyone declare “YOLO” right before gorging on dessert before dinner. And I have most definitely never heard of people utilizing “YOLO” to justify risky behavior before either. Either way you use it, as someone has aptly pointed out before, “YOLO” is actually pretty inaccurate. You live every day, but you only die once. So even if you are OK with using “YOLO” as a precursor to petty occurrences, or as an excuse to make a fool out of yourself, remember that you’re being grossly inaccurate and maybe that will convince you out of using it!

No offense, but if you use any of the above phrases or terms on a regular basis, then I’m probably rolling my eyes at you. But, you know, I’m just a basic chick so that would be expected. Sorry I’m not sorry for ruining your day because “YOLO.” 

Sehar is a junior in LAS. She can be reached at shsiddi2@dailyillini.com.