"I could care less" and more goofs

[e-tasana-williams]

People here in Louisiana, including myself, tend to say, "I'm going make groceries," meaning that I am going shopping for groceries. Growing up saying this, I never thought it was incorrect until I went to a function out of state and my mother and I volunteered to do the shopping. The people with us burst into laughter and questioned what we meant. We really had to think about it, how improper of us.

I've heard people from Alabama and Mississippi say that as well. I love it, proper or not!

[C-Schleiff]

This thread is amazing! One that has always bothered me is when people say "pacific" instead of "specific". It seriously makes me cringe. Also "I'm about to" instead of "I'm going to". I don't know if the last is pacifically (see what I did there ) incorrect, but it drives me mad regardless.

[e-tasana-williams]

My son said one the other day while he was playing basketball: "out of bounce!", instead of "out of bounds". I didn't correct him, I loved it!

[Leigh M Lane]

I had a friend who used to use "ignorant" when she meant "indignant." She was uneducated and not at all well spoken, but she meant well. I never had the heart to correct her.

[TQC]

Yes, I've always said it as "I couldn't care less" and then I started hearing "I could care less." This is something that I cringe every time I hear because you are literally disproving what you are trying to say by saying it as "I could care less."

[kebanfi]

I agree with the person above me. Whenever I read books and see "I could care less" I cringe on the inside. It is a fairly common mistake though so it's not very surprising to hear/read it often.

[Jessakibi]

I worked in a clinic where one of the patients was trying to describe what his Primary Care doctor had told him was the cause of his pain. He told me that the doctor explained that his "sacred lilac" was acting up. I didn't have the heart to correct him and say that what he meant was his 'sacroiliac'. In fact, it almost made me wish that I had a sacred lilac of my own.

[Magaera]

My biggest pet peeve is when people say pacific instead of specific. It's not an ocean haha. I once corrected a teacher on it without even realizing till afterwards

[Danessa]

Here's a goof that my husband informed me of that I have said. Only, I'm not so sure I'm wrong. Maybe someone could shed light on this.
"It's a down hill battle from here" instead of "Its an up hill battle from here" meaning it will be easier from here on out. I point out that it is easier to travel down a hill than up a hill. So I say "It's all down hill from here" My husband says that I'm saying this backwards.

[Elaine5]

Great thread! How about those who "nip it in the butt" rather than "nip it in the bud"?

[MrsCatInTheHat]

Some bother me more than others. In formal writing, I think the author needs to take more care in weeding out the goofs. In casual conversation, I won't correct someone unless it's my child and I want to make sure they know what is the correct way. I won't embarrass them on the spot though, I'll teach them about it later. The statue of limitations one is hilarious!

[Jessakibi]

Danessa, it's my understanding that "It's an uphill battle" and "It's all downhill from here" are two separate expressions. I guess that this means you and your husband are both right.

[Leigh M Lane]

Danessa, it's my understanding that "It's an uphill battle" and "It's all downhill from here" are two separate expressions. I guess that this means you and your husband are both right.

Beat me to it.

[Danessa]

I see. Thanks for your help!! ?

[Genaaa]

I've seen so many people write and say that they could care less and it's always really annoyed me when I hear it or see it. Half the time when you try to correct them as helpful criticism, they can't seem to process that it's even wrong.