A recent survey conducted by Specsavers has revealed that people in Northern Ireland are more likely to correct the mistaken sayings of others than anywhere else in the UK.
Over half of the population in Northern Ireland (54%) have been told that they are misusing a phrase, compared to an average 20-26% in most other UK regions.
Unsurprisingly, 41% of those surveyed reported that it was a family member who had corrected them.
Misheard sayings (officially known as ‘eggcorns’) are rife in Northern Ireland, with nearly 74% of those surveyed admitting to using at least one incorrectly, and the majority of those surveyed revealing that they have been using them incorrectly for decades.
When asked if they have ever said ‘escape goat’ instead of the correct scapegoat, 35% of those in NI said yes, while 44% admitted to saying ‘tender hooks’ instead of the correct tenterhooks.
When listed, the top three most commonly misheard phrases used in Northern Ireland were ‘damp squid’ (19%), ‘biting my time’ (18%) and ‘chomp at the bit’ (16%).
Despite being quick to correct others, 93% of those in Northern Ireland admit that their own misuse of well-known phrases is due to hearing difficulties which is almost double the average amount of people who listed this as the reason for misheard phrases in of the rest of the UK.
In response, Specsavers has launched the ‘Misheard Manifesto’, vowing to make 2024 the year misheard sayings come to an end. Together with writer, broadcaster and famous wordsmith Gyles Brandreth, they’re calling for all across Northern Ireland to help finally banish incorrect phrases.
Gyles, who has revealed he has hearing loss and has been missing clarity and high frequency notes, said: “These misheard sayings have plagued our country’s conversations for too many years. Clear hearing is the cornerstone of clear conversations.
“So, if you’ve ever heard these treasured sayings as ‘escape goat’ when it’s ‘scapegoat’, or dare I say it ‘nip it in the butt’ when it’s ‘nip it in the bud’, consider getting a hearing check.
“I recently had one at Specsavers after noticing I had been asking people to repeat themselves more frequently and found out I have some hearing loss. I’ve now got hearing aids and I’m amazed to discover how clear things sound again.”
Part of the problem is a culture of silence around hearing difficulties and the misused words and phrases.
While a majority of those surveyed in Northern Ireland put their misuse of common words and sayings down to hearing difficulties (93%), only 35% had gone for a hearing check in the past five years.
Research suggests that more than five million people in the UK are actively ignoring a hearing issue1, with 61% of people in Northern Ireland agreeing that there is a stigma attached to hearing loss and people continue to struggle through with unclear or reduced hearing.
People often wait 10 years before addressing changes in their hearing2, despite the help readily available on high streets across the country. This can result in a reduced quality of life, difficulty communicating and feelings of isolation.
Gemma Small, Audiology Director at the Specsavers Belfast Hearing Hub added: “18 million adults in the UK have hearing loss3 and many more don’t realise that they are not hearing things as clearly as they used to.
“The earlier we recognise this and the sooner we act, the more we can minimise any long-term damage.
“If there is any hearing loss, we can help you find the hearing technology that suits your needs and lifestyle.”
Commenting on the findings, TV’s Dr Zoe Williams said, “Everyone’s hearing changes over time but you shouldn’t have to settle for ‘OK’ hearing.
“If you’re mishearing things or ‘just getting the gist’ during conversation, there’s no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed.
“Get a free hearing check on the high street to find out what support can put you on track to hearing clearly again.”
Discover The Misheard Manifesto and watch the film at: www.specsavers.co.uk/misheard-manifesto.
