GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Least Favorite Words

A statistical analysis shows that the least favorite words tend to be negative or emotionally charged, such as "hate," "fail," and "mistake."

Last Updated: June 18, 2024

Written & Summarized by: Jannik Lindner

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In this post, we delve into the realm of linguistics and explore the most detested words and phrases according to various studies and surveys. From ‘so’ to ‘nom nom’, these statistics reveal the words that irk people the most in different parts of the world. Let’s uncover the top contenders for the title of the least favorite words.

Statistic 1

"36% of Britons voted 'so' as the most annoying word when it is used at the beginning of sentences."

Statistic 2

"Literally' was ranked the second most annoying word in a 2015 study in Canada, following 'like'."

Statistic 3

"8% of Americans claimed that nothing bothers them more than hearing the word 'slacks' in a 2013 study."

Statistic 4

"21% of respondents detested the word 'awesome' when used too frequently in 2011."

Statistic 5

"The term 'at the end of the day' was voted the most irritating phrase by participants in a 2018 study."

Statistic 6

"In 2015, 'on fleek' was reported as the most annoying slang word by 61% of Scots."

Statistic 7

"The word 'absolutely' was rated as the most annoying word when used unnecessarily by customer service in a 2019 study."

Statistic 8

"5.56% of females in a 2020 study cited 'really' as their least favourite word."

Statistic 9

"An Oxford survey found that 'nom nom' topped the list of most irritating words in the English language in 2012."

In conclusion, various studies have revealed the diverse range of words and phrases that irk people across different regions and contexts. From ‘so’ in Britain to ‘on fleek’ in Scotland, and from ‘slacks’ in America to ‘nom nom’ discovered in an Oxford survey, the distaste for certain linguistic expressions is evident. These findings underscore the subjective nature of language preferences and highlight the significance of communication that is mindful of audience sensitivities.