As he channels his inner Victor Meldrew, my friend finds the following extremely irritating.
- "Made no mistake from the spot". Not only a cliche, but it also breaks one of journalism's golden rules. Tell us what DID happen, not what didn't.
- "Headed home". Another cliche but in any case where is home? To the 'keeper's left, right, between his legs? More detail please.
- "Wicked deflection" Why is a deflection ALWAYS wicked? Couldn't it also be lucky, monstrous or also a little bit less than wicked, just naughty?
- And why are a winger's crosses so frequently "whipped in" I wonder?
- My friend is also deeply annoyed (and just plain mystified) about the wide misuse of the preposition "to" when it should be "by". As in ...."Manchester City's defeat to Manchester United". Has anyone ever written "Manchester City were defeated to Manchester United"? Of course not...so when and why did "to" suddenly appear instead of "by"?
- False widespread use (ie not just in sport) of the verb to see, as in "this weekend will see the fourth round of the FA Cup". What's wrong with "the fourth round of the FA Cup takes place this weekend". After all, does the weekend have eyes?
- Topical as clubs finish their mid-season player sales and purchases. The transfer window has "slammed shut". Careful with that window...it might come off its hinges!
- "Bitter rivals". (Tottenham and Arsenal, United and City, Luton and Watford (perhaps?) Yes, sometimes rivalry is bitter (especially amongst the fans) but not always. It can also be respectful and friendly. Find a less hackneyed adjective...or don't use one at all.
- "Top flight" (as in the alternative description of the Premier League). Not sure why my pedantic friend doesn't like this? But he certainly doesn't, to the tune of 110%.
- "It is what it is". Yes, but what IS it?
This is by no means (cliche alert!!) "an exhaustive list". Other examples are welcome.
Have a great day (says my friend)!
