By Paul Yeager, author of Literally, the Best Language Book Ever

Why do they hate us (U.S. citizens)?

The most common answer has always been that they hate our freedom, but I have breaking news from across the pond: It might be because of our language.

The BBC recently posted an article on the 50 most noted (a polite British way of saying annoying) Americanisms.

Dare I say that I must be British at heart since they make many excellent points, including:

• Reach out instead of “ask.”
• It is what it is, which is what it is: a phrase that says NOTHING.
• Where’s it at? instead of the grammatically correct “Where is it?”
• Ridiculousity, which the contributor hopes is being done tongue-in-cheek, but I wouldn’t bet on that–based on how often I hear the next one.
• Physicality, which isn’t a word despite its growing use. (Note: People in the U.S. love to make up -ality words since it makes them sound so smart, at least to those who think anything ever uttered instantly becomes an acceptable word.)
• Least worst option; the contributor suggests asking what the “most best option” might be.
• Going forward instead of the standard “in the future.”

I could go on, but I don’t want anyone to get his knickers in a bunch.