On Christmas Day 2025, comedian and podcaster Adam Buxton ignited a lively discussion about commonly used phrases in communication during his festive podcast. He opened the episode with the phrase, “I hope this podcast finds you well,” only to reveal that his wife, Mrs. Buxton, finds this expression irritating. This sparked a wider conversation about the clichés that many people use in emails and daily conversations, prompting a call for change as the new year approaches.
As 2026 approaches, the call to action is clear: it is time to bid farewell to overused expressions that clutter our communication. Buxton’s light-hearted commentary highlights a growing sentiment that phrases like “circling back,” “reaching out,” and “going forward” have become stale and lack genuine meaning. The idea is to refresh our language as we enter a new year, transforming how we connect with one another.
Several phrases emerged as candidates for banishment. Phrases that reference direction, such as “looping in” or “hop on a call,” are high on the list. Additionally, common weather-related greetings, like “hope you’re enjoying the sunshine,” have also attracted criticism for being overly generic. The sentiment is clear: many people find these expressions to be tiresome and unoriginal.
In the realm of in-person interactions, certain clichés can evoke groans. For instance, Buxton humorously points out that waiters may stifle their laughter when a diner responds to a sharing platter with a quip about what others are having. Such remarks, while often intended to be light-hearted, can come across as predictable and repetitive.
Moreover, the article points to the tendency for people to use tired jokes based on names or situations. Comments like “Time you got a watch!” when asked for the time or “You could have bought me dinner first” to a security guard are highlighted as unnecessary and often unwelcome. This trend illustrates a need for more thoughtful and genuine conversation.
While the discussion may seem trivial to some, it reflects a broader desire for authenticity in communication. As people become more aware of their language choices, there is potential for a significant shift in how we express ourselves. As Buxton suggests, perhaps it’s time for a cultural reset in our interactions, particularly as we prepare to welcome a new year.
In conclusion, the call to eliminate these clichés serves as a reminder that language is a living entity. It evolves, and as individuals, we have the power to shape it. By consciously choosing our words, we can foster more meaningful connections and communicate in ways that resonate more deeply with others. As we step into 2026, the challenge lies in finding fresh expressions that truly reflect our thoughts and feelings.
