Is 'sorry' Completely Overused?

[ck1]

I'm sorry you're not feeling well, I'm sorry your dog died, I'm sorry you got stuck in traffic...does it have any real meaning?

[Octavius]

It's a sad, sad situation, and it's getting more and more absurd.

[jno]

yes, why not? We've all been sick or stuck in traffic so we can empathise with others over the irritations of life.

"Sorry you lost your leg in the accident" by contrast would seem inadequate, and I don't think anyone would actually say it.

[Svejk]

Why can't we talk it over.

[jim360]

I'm sorry, but I just don't agree with that, again sorry.

[thatsmethatis]

Sorry, I haven't a clue.

[Old_Geezer]

I'm sorry, is there a point to this ?

[ck1]

Fringehead, I think you should join the psychic discussion in religion and spirituality!! (sorry if you're already participating...)

[McMouse]

I beg your pardon, my dog is not stuck in traffic and I'm felling great.

[naomi24]

It depends on the context in which it is used. ‘Sorry’ is an apology as well as an appropriate expression of empathy. I think the most overused word is ‘offence’, for which a response of ‘sorry’ is always demanded – albeit not always legitimately.

[Octavius]

jno ""Sorry you lost your leg in the accident" by contrast would seem inadequate, and I don't think anyone would actually say it."

Not if you add 'Oh my God' before it, that adds sentiment and gravitas.

What have I gotta do to be heard.

[ck1]

Octavius - my mom would say that, she loves it, 'sorry you've had to go to the office today', 'sorry you've had to put the kettle on just for me', 'sorry you've just been diagnosed with a terminal illness'!!!

[Wharton]

I'm sorry I ever met the bitch.

[janbee]

Yes, I think it is VERY over used but not as much as amazing. Oh that goal was amazing, this cheesecake is amazing, that colour jacket is amazing, that nail polish is amazing. Every bl**dy thing these days is amazing.

[ck1]

At least 'amazing' is kind of appropriate, maybe an exaggeration for a 'nice' cheesecake or a 'lovely' colour but still relevant, but sorry is supposed to show a degree of regret where most the time you couldn't give a toss!!!

[pixie373]

I don't think it's used anywhere near enough.

[Peter Pedant]

quite useful


useful alternative to 'I am glad your husband just died.'
much less disruptive

and then you dont have to say 'I neva liked the old b+gga'
so, economical as well.

[albaqwerty]

jan, don't forget the word 'hero'

The goal scorer was a hero in playing a full 32 minutes of the match.

Other commentator, Sorry, I don't think he was.