Opinion

Tiresome phrase: 'Reaching out'

Posted October 16, 2014 12:01 am

I was happy to read Jim Slusher's column decrying the overuse of the word "experience" - driving experience, shopping experience, bathroom experience, etc. Now maybe Mr. Slusher could direct his attention to the ridiculous use of the phrase "reach out."

I can no longer talk to a friend, I must "reach out" to him. I can't contact or get in touch with anybody, I have to "reach out" instead. If I want something, I can't just ask someone for it, I must "reach out" to them first. (e.g. my sink blocked up this morning so I reached out to my plumber).

"Reaching out" evokes in my mind an image of some desperate petitioner, down on one knee with arms outstretched, craving a boon from some indifferent overseer.

With that in mind, I would like to reach out to Mr. Slusher and ask him to never use this execrable expression again in his otherwise fine newspaper.

Dick Page

Naperville

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