What They Said -- And What They MEANT To Say

Sometimes using the correct word can make all the difference. You hear a lot of people, including teachers, politicians, and journalists, use the wrong word sometimes, and such faux pas can be cringe-inducing.

Some prime examples:

The statement: That guy looks too effete to have ever played football.
What it actually means: That guy looks too worn out to have ever played football.
What they meant to say: That guy looks too effeminate to have ever played football.

The statement: We know the killer will be back, and that's problematic.
What it actually means: We know the killer will be back, and that's questionable.
What they meant to say: We know the killer will be back, and that's a big problem.

The statement: She writes with self-depreciating humor.
What it actually means: She writes with humor that reduces her net worth.
What they meant to say: She writes with self-deprecating humor.

The statement: Sign here if you are amicable to the terms.
What it actually means: Sign here if you aren't hostile.
What they meant to say: Sign here if you are amenable to the terms.

The statement: She's lost so much weight she looks emancipated.
What it actually means: She's lost so much weight that she left home to be independent.
What they meant to say: She's lost so much weight she looks emaciated.