The phrase ‘hard-working families’ is the most loathed political cliché, according to the results of a new poll.
The survey, conducted by Polifiller.com, identified the top clichés and phrases most likely to turn off voters. The phrase ‘let me be clear’ came in second place, followed by ‘economic mess’, ‘long term economic plan’ and ‘failed economic plan’.
Respondents also criticised the way politicians all seem to use the same language regardless of political party, with many of the phrases being patronising or self-aggrandising.
Non-verbal annoyances that also came under fire in the poll were the use of cultural references such as Gordon Brown’s ‘Artic Monkeys moment’ and politicians ‘acting normal’ at home.
The top ten most hated phrases were:
1. Hard-working families
2. Let me be clear
3. The economic mess
4. Long term economic plan
5. Failed economic plan
6. The Great British people
7. What we’ve said is
8. I don’t intend to give a running commentary
9. Up and down the country
10. I say this
