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So.
I came here, fully intending to write about how much I hate it when people say "etc.", (before you go digging through my posts to see if I have ever used it, I have (oh look how quaint I've assumed anyone actually cares enough to think to do that)) but then while setting up this blog I saw this:
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Oh my god. BAaaaarhghhhh
The corners of my mouth hurt like I have pressed them really hard against something and they got bruised. I wonder what that's all about.
So anyway, about et cetera. I feel like the use of this abbreviated expression is lazy. I am differentiating this laziness from, say, the use of contractions and the like because in one instance you are just cutting a list short and putting in a few letters to finish off your train of thought, and in the other you are expressing the same thing and even the same words that you would be otherwise, you're just expressing it more like the way that you would out loud.
I especially hate it when people use it when it isn't even necessary. For example:
Person 1: Hey, do you like meat?
Person 2: Yeah, I do. I love steaks, etc.
That wasn't even a list. That was just one thing. Why would you say "etc." after one thing? Of course I have never heard this particular dialogue spoken aloud, but shit like that happens all the time and it isn't cool.
But how can I use "etc." properly and not sound like a twat?
Well, for starters, care a little more about how you sound. If you like sounding like a twat or you simply don't give a shit, then don't worry about it (also, why have you read this far if that's the case?). Secondly, use it sparingly. Third, only use it when it actually applies. Could you picture yourself saying, "and so on" in its place? If you try, and it sounds stupid, then don't use "etc." No need to put "and so on" in there either. Just end the sentence. Full stop. Bam. Done. And finally, consider other ways to finish out your lists. Like, for example, finishing out your lists.
