Good to GO

Every now and then my friend, BBC, reads Are you Serious? and calls me to share his pet peeves that deserve their own entry. Some of his have no impact on my life. For example, he has complained about the high cost of glasses frames. Thanks to Lasik eye surgery, I haven’t had to wear glasses in 5 years. I could potentially be blind by the time I’m 30, but I’ve decided the contact free existence in my 20s is worth it. And when I did wear glasses, I didn’t buy Chanel frames. Possibly the reason BBC is so upset about the cost.

Recently, BBC came up with a perfect example of something that should drive the world crazy. He asked me what I think of tools that use commercial tag lines in every day conversation. He used the example “good to go” from Taco Bell’s latest slogan. At first, I was worried if I had used the phrase and how many times, concerned this was his way of telling me to stop. Like all Brits, he’s much too direct to play such games. Once I knew I was in the clear, I started paying attention to the people who are guilty of such a crime.

Thousands of people use the phrase. I would guess that 75% realize they are copying Taco Bell and think they are clever. The rest have just let it sink into their subconscious and don’t realize they are part of the problem. I’ve only run into 3 people who have actually used the hand gesture with the phrase as well. Have mercy on their souls.

Other taglines to watch:
I’m Loving It
Have it Your Way
Raising the bar (this one could be completely unintentional since it is also a horrendous corporate phrase used to inspire employees to work harder, but due to its association with Cingular, it should be avoided)

There are others. Please do your part to save the world and share those you have experienced so the public knows what to avoid in their speech patterns.