Myself, The Undersigned
5:21 pm 08/27/06
Here’s something that drives me absolutely nuts: when people use the phrase “…please contact the undersigned…” when they are sending a letter or e-mail. Or how about when they use, “…please contact myself or Mr Smith…”
Idiots. Do they really not understand that “please contact me” is better and doesn’t sound like an idiot who is trying to sound more intelligent than he really is? Or that they should say “please contact ME or Mr Smith” to avoid looking like a moron? Honestly, who in their right mind would refer to himself as “the undersigned?”
Sorry. But I’ve seen those phrases a bit too often lately, and it hurts my brain every time.
As a rule, the more someone tries to look smarter or more important by using superfluous verbiage (oops), the more they end up accomplishing the opposite.
I can see in some places where that’s totally normal and acceptable but you’re right…they’re trying hard to sound smarter than they really are! lol