Words have power. It makes a difference how we express something, how we speak with other people. And that goes far beyond swear words. A few years ago, I started using my language more consciously and would like to share with you which elements I no longer use and why.

The Power of Words

„Words can be like tiny doses of arsenic: they are swallowed unnoticed, they seem to have no effect, and after some time, the toxic effect is there nonetheless.“ These words come from Victor Klemperer, who analyzed the language of the Third Reich. But this statement applies not only to that but also to our „peaceful“ everyday lives. In our language, there are so many expressions and proverbs that we use without looking at where they come from or how they affect us. This includes how we speak to ourselves. And words have an effect. It makes a difference whether I call someone stupid or acknowledge that every person thinks differently, understands differently, and that mistakes happen.

Words I Ban from My Vocabulary

Here I present some words and sayings that I no longer use. At least, not where I'm aware of it. Words that we used unconsciously before and that have their firm place in our language are not simply easy to erase. That takes patience and time. Because first, it requires becoming aware of them, then consciously leaving them out, before other terms take their place in the subconscious.

1. 0-8-15

Who doesn't know this expression? Something that is average, the standard or normal, nothing special, we like to call it „That's just 0 – 8 – 15“. Have you ever wondered where this expression comes from? It originates from World War I and refers to the standard machine gun of the Germans at that time. I am a pacifist and do not want to use expressions with weapon references. What about you?

2. Every man for himself.

A statement that contains a rather questionable core. What happens to those who cannot save themselves? And who are those who can save themselves? I recently saw the really great Documentary from „andererseits“ (40 min. highly recommended). In it, Artin from "andererseits" addressed this topic; the documentary bears the same title.  Because during the great flood in the Ahr Valley, 12 people with disabilities died who could not save themselves alone. So I personally don't think it's normal that only some people can save themselves. That's what we as humans have to take care of. Period. So this proverb disappeared from my vocabulary.

3. That's a perfect fit / That's like a fist on the eye

Originally, it's figurative language to express that something doesn't fit together. Just as much as a fist doesn't fit an eye. Meanwhile, however, it's also used as a term to clarify that something fits together particularly well. One way or another, "fist to the eye" has something violent about it. So, out of my vocabulary with it.

4. Thank God

I was baptized and confirmed (Evangelical), but I was never very religious in my everyday life. And I always found it a bit strange when God is constantly thanked for every possible and impossible thing. For example, in moments when something turns out well that could have also „gone wrong.“ My alternative to that: Fortunately.

5. Must

The word „must“ is a particularly poisonous can of arsenic in the vocabulary. Because we often use it far too often, it becomes more potent faster. When we constantly have to do something and, for example, don't manage it as planned, the „must“ mountain grows, and frustration and bad feelings increase. Have you ever consciously paid attention to how often you use this word? See if it's really always unavoidable; you'll be surprised.

6. To

The little word „too“ is one that I haven't completely eliminated. But I think it's important to use it consciously. Women, in particular, know this word in a judgmental context: too provocative, too casual, too quiet, too loud, too shy, etc. I personally only use this word in an impersonal context when describing "too" much help 😉

7. Only understand train station

Actually, this saying seems quite harmless. However, its origin is less harmless. This saying originated in World War I when soldiers were so tired from trench warfare that they only wanted to go home. Specifically, to the train station to go home.

To pull the wool over someone's eyes.

The idiom says it all, because the origin is an exact literal description of what it entails. A fur-bearing animal is stripped of its valuable pelt, and the animal dies in the process. To avoid damaging the fur, the skinning is done from back to front, ending at the ears. Quite a bloody affair. And there are plenty of alternative descriptions to express that someone has been „pulled over the table“ in a deal.

What else comes to mind?

Are there expressions or words that you (no longer) use? Maybe in other languages too? Or can you think of something that should be added to this list?

Feel free to write a comment 😊

Your Lorena