Sir, – Some additions to Jennifer O’Connell’s list of annoying phrases to be avoided in 2014 (“Ten phrases we could live without”, Life, January 8th): “Lessons will be learned”, “Optics”, “The Exit” and “The Gathering”. – Yours, etc,
Dr JOHN DOHERTY,
Cnoc an Stollaire,
Gaoth Dobhair,
Co Donegal.
Sir, – Allow me to augment Jennifer O’Connell’s list: “the spend” (beloved of Government Ministers); “A disconnect between” (beloved of talking heads); “a rebranding exercise” (beloved of PR people and perhaps some within the Limerick City of Culture board and committee). – Yours, etc,
OLIVER McGRANE,
Marley Avenue,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16.
Sir, – “Look-back exercise” (a review); “learnings” (lessons or conclusions); “period of negative growth” (a recession); “significant challenge” (an unmitigated fiasco). – Yours, etc,
PATRICIA O’RIORDAN,
Stamer Street,
Dublin 8.
Sir, – Hey, Jennifer, “lighten up”. “Just saying”, like. – Yours, etc,
ANNE O’CALLAGHAN,
Cathal Brugha Street,
Dublin 1.