words that make you grit your teeth

[kfergos]

PS I sure wish someone could tell me what "utilize" adds that "use" does not include.

I'm a technical writer out here in the real world, so I'll try not to get started into the detail grammar/usage issues that get my goat. However: According to the American Medical Writers Association grammar guide, utilize means "to turn something to a practical use, as in finding a new or unusual use for something." Use, on the other hand, "means to put into service, or put to use." Therefore, use is almost always correct.

"Irregardless" ISN'T EVEN A REAL WORD. Hearing people use it really kills me.
"Prior to" - goodness me, what's wrong with "before"?
"Post" as in "she was post menopause" - "after," people, please!
"Infer" instead of imply - This just plain ain't right.
"All set" - I hear this at work a zillion times a day. "Are you all set?" "I'm all set with that," I don't know - maybe it's just overuse, but I can't take it anymore!

Edited to add: A coworker just said "He's shy and inverted." GAH!