71. Photographic memory
Definition: a slang term for eidetic memory, or the ability to recall details like images, sounds and objects with extreme precision
To refer to one with an eidetic memory, it’s generally best to avoid the term “photographic,” which is a misnomer for what they experience and scientifically inaccurate. Claiming to have a photographic memory when no eidetic tendency has been diagnosed is also an eye-roller (and can easily be disproven). Just say you have a good memory.
72. Preggers/knocked up
Definition: slang terms for pregnant
Cute to use while you’re with friends. If you’re in a professional or less friendly situation, just don’t.
73. Pretense
Definition: done for show; to show off
There’s nothing wrong with this word when it’s used correctly, but many people incorrectly substitute it for pretext, which is a fabricated reason or excuse for something.
74. Probly/prolly vs. probably
The word probably (meaning most likely) has three syllables: PROB-AB-LY.
75. Pronounciation vs. pronunciation
We agree that it weird that the noun form of the verb pronounce has a different second syllable, but it does nonetheless. The word is PRO-NUN-CEE-EY-SHUN.
76. Random
Definition: without reason or pattern
It’s OK to note that something is random if it truly is. However, something being unexpected or unpredicted doesn’t make it random. The guys you saw at the restaurant weren’t random, they were simply people you didn’t know. The event that startled you wasn’t random unless it wasn’t explainable by science. It was just unexpected.
77. Retard
Definition: a pejorative term for those with compromised mental faculties
This is a legitimate term meaning to slow down or delay. But it should never be used as a noun to refer to a person.
78. Refute vs. rebut
If you refute something, you prove it to be false with evidence. If you intend to present your own argument, you intend to rebut something.
79. Silicone vs. silicon
They aren’t interchangeable. SIL-I-CAHN is a naturally occurring element. SIL-I-CONE is a synthetic derivative. So one should say “SIL-I-CAHN Valley,” as it’s the silicon that functions as the ideal semiconductor used in computer technology.
80. Sit vs. set vs. sat
Don’t say to a person, “please set down” when asking them to take a seat. Also, do not say that an object “set” somewhere. It’s “please sit down,” “I set the pen on your desk,” and “the cat sat on the armchair.”
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