If you’ve ever been caught in a heated debate over whether a certain term belongs in the lexicon, you know the phrase 10 words grammar is often tossed around by pedants. Grammar snobs love to point out the “wrong” words, yet time and usage have turned many of those rebels into bona‑fide dictionary entries. Below, we rank‑order ten of the most contentious terms, from the cheeky “nother” to the ever‑present “firstly,” and we’ll show you why each one has earned its spot on the official word list.
10 Nother
Surely you’ve tossed the word “another” around a lot, and you’ve probably heard someone exclaim “a whole nother” when describing a completely different thing. It sounds goofy, but that phrase has been around for centuries. Grammar purists will jump in, shouting that “nother” isn’t a real word and that inserting “whole” between the syllables of “another” is pure nonsense. They’ll argue you shouldn’t split “another” with “whole” – it’s “not right!”
Here’s the kicker for the sticklers: “nother” actually dates back to the 14th century, serving the same function as “another.” By the 19th century, it had become a standalone synonym, and today it enjoys full dictionary status. It’s still less common than “another,” and you might still attract odd looks, but you can now point to the dictionary and prove the word’s legitimacy.
9 Impactful
For decades, “impactful” was considered a non‑existent word. Then came the 1960s, when advertising agencies spread their influence across America like tentacles. Some say the country never fully recovered. In any case, ad execs were busy inventing fresh language to describe their own achievements, campaigns, and the sheer force of their work. One of their most enduring creations? “Impactful.”
These marketers took the noun “impact” and appended the suffix “‑ful” to craft a term that could brag about the magnitude of their campaigns. It quickly migrated from boardrooms to the streets, and now it’s a staple in everyday speech. Even a grammar snob might feel the “impactful” punch if they try to argue against its usage.
8 Prolly
In the realm of texting and internet slang, “prolly” has largely supplanted “probably.” Older generations often scoff at it, calling it a lazy contraction unworthy of serious use. Yet younger folks embrace it alongside OMG, LOL, and the myriad abbreviations that pepper online conversation. The surprising fact? “Prolly” has been around for nearly a century.
The earliest documented instance appears in the 1940s, where it functioned exactly as it does today – a clipped version of “probably” designed to save time and a few keystrokes. The Oxford English Dictionary now recognizes the term as sufficiently widespread to merit its own entry. After almost 100 years of use, the grammar snobs might as well give up; “prolly” is here to stay.
7 Snuck
When you need the past tense of “sneak,” the textbook answer is “sneaked.” However, countless speakers have long insisted that “snuck” is the proper form. This belief dates back to the late 19th century, and over the ensuing decades, “snuck” has crept into everyday speech and, eventually, dictionaries.
Lexicographers finally relented after a prolonged battle, noting that “snuck” had been used consistently for more than a hundred years. Though some argue that no English verb ending in “‑eak” ever shifts to “‑uck,” the reality is that “snuck” has indeed snuck its way into mainstream usage. Today, you’ll find it listed alongside “sneaked” in major dictionaries, despite any lingering complaints.
6 Madded & Madder
Here’s a two‑for‑one treat sure to rile up language purists. The first term, “madded,” sounds like a misspelling, but it actually means “made mad.” You can get “madded” by a coworker’s negligence, for instance, and the word appears in dictionaries as a legitimate verb.
The second, “madder,” sparked a national debate when President Barack Obama used it in a 2013 speech. Critics argued he should have said “more mad,” yet a quick glance at any reputable dictionary confirms “madder” is a valid comparative form. Both words survive despite the vocal objections of grammar snobs.
5 Orientate
While “orient” and “orientation” are well‑established, many language hawks protest the verb “orientate.” They claim you should simply “orient” yourself. Yet, the term “orientate” has been recorded in British English since the 1840s, functioning as a verb meaning to determine one’s bearings.
Across the Atlantic, Americans traditionally favored “orient,” but the British continued using “orientate,” and the two eventually merged in usage. Today, dictionaries on both sides of the pond list “orientate” as an accepted alternative, despite the ongoing grumbling of the most fastidious editors.
4 Gonna
What if we told you that “gonna” is officially a word? The casual contraction of “going to” first appeared in print in 1806, earning a spot in early dictionaries. Modern texting has only amplified its popularity, but the term predates smartphones by well over a century.
Even though “gonna” sounds informal, its long‑standing presence in printed works secured its legitimacy. Whether you’re typing a quick text or drafting a novel, you can now confidently use “gonna” without fearing a dictionary‑watcher’s wrath.
3 Anyways
Most teachers and copy editors will tell you that “anyway” is the only acceptable form. Yet, “anyways” has a storied past that stretches back to the 13th century, making it an 800‑year‑old contender. Over the centuries, usage shifted toward the singular “anyway,” but the plural form never vanished entirely.
Contemporary dictionaries list both “anyway” and “anyways” as acceptable synonyms. While “anyway” tends to dominate in modern American English, “anyways” enjoys slightly more usage in North America than in the UK. Either way, you can pull up a dictionary and prove that “anyways” is perfectly valid.
2 Ginormous
You might assume “ginormous” is a millennial invention, a goofy mash‑up for the internet age. In fact, the word emerged during World War II, first documented in 1942 as a playful blend of “gigantic” and “enormous.”
Its over‑the‑top tone quickly caught on, and despite its cheeky origins, “ginormous” secured a place in major dictionaries. Today it’s a perfectly respectable way to describe something truly massive, no matter how skeptical you feel about its youthful vibe.
1 Conversate
“Conversate” may raise eyebrows among editors, but it boasts a solid history of over two centuries. Along with its variants “conversating” and “conversated,” it serves as a verb meaning “to converse.” The earliest newspaper citations appear in the early 1800s, and the term has persisted ever since.
While some argue you should simply say “converse” or “talk,” the fact remains that “conversate” holds a legitimate dictionary entry. So, whether you’re chatting in a casual setting or penning a formal piece, you can safely employ “conversate” without fear of being labeled incorrect.
1 Firstly
Finally, let’s toss in a bonus entry: “firstly.” Though many style guides recommend the plain “first” when introducing a list, “firstly” isn’t technically wrong. Numbers like first, second, and third function as both adjectives and adverbs, making “firstly” a redundant but acceptable adverbial form.
Dictionary editors eventually gave up the battle, acknowledging that “firstly” appears frequently enough to merit inclusion. While it may sound a touch formal, it’s fully recognized in every major English dictionary, proving that even the most debated words can survive the test of time.