Michael Anderson
Former journalist turned tech writer with a passion for helping professionals enhance productivity through AI.
Introduction
You know that moment when you spot “Let’s delve into this topic” for the tenth time today? Suddenly, every ChatGPT response starts to feel like a bad karaoke cover of the same song. Welcome to the Great ChatGPT Word Epidemic – where once-useful terms now shamble through our screens like linguistic zombies.
As AI writing tools dominate workplaces and coffee shop brainstorming sessions, we’re all accidentally adopting their robotic quirks. Let’s diagnose this outbreak, name the viral culprits, and reclaim our human writing voices before “leverage” becomes everyone’s verbal tic.
Why AI Models Become Word Parrots
Imagine teaching a parrot every book, tweet, and corporate memo ever written. That’s essentially how ChatGPT learned language – by absorbing mountains of text where words like “robust” and “tapestry” signal “smart person writing here.”
These models aren’t creative – they’re probability machines. When you ask for “professional” content, they grab the safest, most overused crayons in the box. It’s like a chef who only knows how to make toast: reliable, but you’ll crave bacon eventually.
The Overused Hall of Shame (With Cringe Examples)
A. “Delve” ChatGPT’s version: “Let’s delve into quantum physics and cupcake frosting trends.” Why it’s undead: The digital equivalent of clearing your throat before saying anything slightly complex. Actual humans say “dig into” or “explore.”
B. “Tapestry” ChatGPT’s version: “The startup ecosystem is a rich tapestry of synergies.” Why it’s eye-roll worthy: Perfect for when you want your blog to sound like a medieval castle tour. Try “mix” or “network” instead.
C. “Leverage“ ChatGPT’s version: “Leverage our robust solutions to optimize your laundry-folding workflow.” Why it’s corporate cringe: The Swiss Army knife of business jargon. Say “use,” “apply,” or “make the most of” like a normal person.
D. “Unravel” ChatGPT’s version: “Let’s unravel the mystery of why toddlers hate naps.” Why it’s tired: Unless you’re literally holding yarn, try “solve,” “figure out,” or “decode.”
E. “Nuanced” ChatGPT’s version: “This requires a nuanced approach to pet goldfish psychology.” Why it’s overkill: Often used to describe ideas that are just… mildly interesting.
Why These Zombie Words Matter
Last week, I received three emails containing “robust tapestry” – two from humans. That’s the real problem: we’re all starting to sound like ChatGPT fanfiction.
Overused terms:
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Make readers tune out (“Ah, another ‘journey,’ snooze…”)
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Drain personality from writing
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Create uncanny valley language (“Why does this birthday card sound like my boss?”)
De-Zombify Your Writing: 4 Human Hacks
A. Play Mad Libs with AI drafts ChatGPT says: “Embark on a journey to leverage our robust platform.” You rewrite: “Our tool helps you nail [task] without the headache.”
B. Use the “Grandma Test” If your sentence confuses someone who still uses a flip phone, simplify it.
C. Hunt & Replace (Cheat Sheet)
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Delve → Dig into
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Tapestry → Mix/Network
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Leverage → Use
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Robust → Solid/Strong
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Unravel → Solve
D. Steal from Real Life Notice how podcast hosts explain complex topics? Borrow their casual metaphors instead of defaulting to “nuanced.”
Conclusion
Next time you catch yourself typing “delve,” imagine ChatGPT doing a little victory dance. Break the cycle! Your unique voice – complete with weird slang and inside jokes – is what makes readers stay.
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