Disrespecting ‘No disrespect to’

Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy recently apologized after uttering the phrase “no disrespect to,” in reference to a perennial also-ran National Hockey League team and its long-running lack of competitiveness.

He did so because his mention of that club – in the context of suggesting his own team has just played so poorly that it might even lose to that outfit – was disrespectful.

Perhaps Cassidy would join me in campaigning to drop the use of “no disrespect to” because it always brings with it a disrespecting of the next thing alluded to in the statement.

How about it Bruce?

For what it’s worth, I submitted the phrase to Lake Superior State University for consideration in its popular, annual banished words list . However, that list comes out late in each calendar year and I felt it important to publicize now the uselessness of “no disrespect to.”

In fairness, that phrase may have just tipped things for me. I have a mounting list of peeve words and phrases that cause me to grit my teeth when I encounter them and Cassidy’s “no disrespect to” flap moved me to add profile to the banality of that expression and others as well.

Among my other words-to-banish:

·????????“It goes without saying.” Well, then. Don’t say that. Please.

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·????????“I’m just curious,” uttered before posing a question. For what it’s worth, I can presume your curiosity just in noting you have asked a question that you’re seeking a response on.

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·????????“This is a friendly reminder.” Nope. I suggest that is a passive aggressive nudge and transparently so.

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·????????“Shovel-ready” and its cousin: “shovels in the ground.” I’d like to bury both these phrases, by hand, if necessary.

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·????????“Fulsome.” Look up the meaning of this one. Some time ago, this word came to be applied as an adjective in a context that is incorrect. Are speakers and writers with a fulsome fondness trying to connect that what they are describing is disgusting by plainness, grossness or excess? If they are, stay the course. If not, apply something more appropriate. ‘Thorough’ will likely do the trick.

Lake Superior State University, you’re welcome to run with all those offerings.

Should my list be “a friendly reminder” of words and phrases that you loathe, I apologize. Respectfully so.

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Phil Andrews is a Senior Communications Consultant with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He worked in the daily newspaper industry for more than 20 years. He can be reached at [email protected]