This Is the Most Annoying Word, According to New Poll

A poll has found that the most annoying word or phrase used in casual conversation in America is "whatever." The Marist College poll released Wednesday indicates the word irritates 38% of Americans. The AP reports the pollsters offered up five options for most annoying word or phrase: "Whatever," ''No offense, but," ''Ya know, right," ''I can't even," and "huge." "No offense, but" is second with 20%. In third place is, "You know, right," which is irksome to 14% of people, tied with "I can't even." ''Huge" grates on the nerves of 8%.

"Whatever" is losing some steam, though. Last year it topped the list at 43%. Age matters. Among Americans under 30, "I can't even" takes top honors. The Dec. 1 through Dec. 9 survey of 1,005 adults has a sampling error margin of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. (More words stories.)