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Kombrink Real Estate Group: Catch Phrases...I Use Them...But Sometimes They Bug Me (smile when you read this)

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Alliance

Definition: A catch phrase (or catchphrase) is a phrase or expression recognized by its repeated utterance.

We all use little catch phrases.  In recent years some have become so overused that they often lose their meaning.  I was just sitting here thinking of some of the ones that are so worn out that it may be time to ditch them for something else.

Here's my list:

"Think outside of the box." - I'm guilty of using this one.  What I would really like to do is just burn the box...Or maybe be the only person left still in the box.

"Change" - A campaign favorite!  Everyone loves change...they love it, that is, until you actually start changing things.

"What goes around comes around." - This is another one I like to use.  It makes me feel better when people are mean.

"If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem." - Really?  Do you know how many problems there are out there?  I'm pretty sure that I'm not part of all of them.

"Thrown under the bus." - Used in a sentence like "Wow, he really threw you under the bus on that one!"
It reminds of being a teenager and using the word "burn".  Seems juvenile to me.

"Team" or "Team Player" - Team players usually aren't and teams are usually made up of a bunch of team players who usually aren't.

 I've run out of catch phrases for now, but if you think of any, please add to the list....of course I will expect your own sarcastic definition to follow.

Oh...please don't "leave me out to dry" on this.  :)

Comments (6)

Brian Brumpton
Keller Williams Boise - Boise, ID
Boise Idaho Real Estate

I couldn't agree with you more that when phrases or words get overused they lose their power.  Actually I just finished reading "made to stick" and they dedicate an entire chapter to this.

Dec 18, 2008 04:27 AM
Laura Kombrink
RE/MAX Alliance - Collinsville, IL

Brian,
Thanks for stopping by.  I'll have to add "Made to Stick" to my reading list.

Dec 18, 2008 04:28 AM
Daniel J. Brudnok, REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach, REALTORS - Exton - PA License #RS-225179-L / Delaware License #RS-0025038 - Downingtown, PA
SRES, e-PRO,ABR,GREEN,CSP

Clients do semd to get turned off if I spout a term that has been beat to death in the media....I really try not to make that mistake.

Dec 18, 2008 06:57 AM
Laura Kombrink
RE/MAX Alliance - Collinsville, IL

Dan - Thanks for stopping by.  I guess, the question is how can we stand out if we sound like everyone else.  Especially if it's meaningless to us.

Dec 18, 2008 07:27 AM
Tera Tyner
Lubbock Homes - Lubbock, TX

I think that these were good!! I dont think that I use them that much andi guess tha tis a good thing!

Dec 18, 2008 01:29 PM
Laura Kombrink
RE/MAX Alliance - Collinsville, IL

Thanks for stopping in Tera!  I was just wondering if there are any catch phrases that are more localized.  If anyone has some that are specific to your region...then by all means share them with us!

Dec 18, 2008 01:35 PM