PANDEMIC PHRASES THAT ANNOY: A visit to prpioneer.com/post/pandemic-related-phrases shows that some of the most annoying phrases we hear on a daily basis are getting to everyone. Meanwhile, some phrases are annoying people that we in the newsroom haven’t even heard yet.

Topping the list is ‘Outbreak’ — which may make you think of a popular movie or two. Living it in real life is a bit more frustrating, however, and the word is grating on peoples’ nerves.

‘Bubble’ is next on the annoying list. Apparently, continued directives to remain in a ‘bubble’ aren’t well-received.

Also on the list are ‘flattening the curve,’ ‘herd immunity,’ ‘the new normal’ (a personal not so favorite), ‘lockdown’ and ‘self-quarantine.’

There are some on the list rising to compete for most annoying. These include ‘super spreader,’ ‘second wave’ and ‘coronacation,’ which as we all know is the furthest thing from a true vacation.

‘Contact tracing’ is not very popular at the moment, which is reflected in the limited results for those who make the calls, likewise ‘asymptomatic’ is another cringe-inducing word in today’s COVID-19 influenced world.

The list continues with ‘Blursday,’ defined as any day of the week since none of us can really tell one day from the next anymore; ‘unprecedented’ because, while it’s true, it’s annoying to be reminded that these times are unique — but the media continues to remind you (we’re guilty of using ‘unprecedented’ once in awhile too, so we get it).

The list includes ‘antivaxxers,’ ‘quaranteam’ and ‘covidiot’ (as in, people who deliberately ignore all health and safety warnings during the coronavirus pandemic) and also has ‘The ‘Rona’ as a particularly annoying way to shorten the name for this ongoing health crisis.

Finally, ‘quarantini’ is on the list, but make sure to add a shot of Vitamin C to it — for your health. For your sanity, it may be wise to keep those coming for a bit longer.