MEMO TO CNN, MSNBC, AND

MEMO TO CNN, MSNBC, AND FOX: Dear nets, Great job with the embedded reporters, video cameras, and cool flak-jacket-wearing reporters sitting atop tanks. And the frequent recaps are nice. Oh, one minor irritant… could your reporters, announcers, and voiceovers PLEASE STOP REPEATING THE PHRASE “SHOCK AND AWE”???!!! I support our actions, and even I think ...

By , a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and co-host of the Space the Nation podcast.

MEMO TO CNN, MSNBC, AND FOX: Dear nets, Great job with the embedded reporters, video cameras, and cool flak-jacket-wearing reporters sitting atop tanks. And the frequent recaps are nice. Oh, one minor irritant... could your reporters, announcers, and voiceovers PLEASE STOP REPEATING THE PHRASE "SHOCK AND AWE"???!!! I support our actions, and even I think it makes you sound like complete tools. I'm sorry for being so touchy, but after hearing the FIRST 100,000 USES OF THE TERM, it starts to grate. C'mon, you people have heard of the word "synonyn". Here's some possible substitutes: "Stun and stagger" "Astonish and wonder" "Amaze and surprise" "Flabbergast and overwhelm" And, if you're really punch drunk, "tickle and tease." Yes, more syllables are involved, but trust me, your core audience will be most grateful.

MEMO TO CNN, MSNBC, AND FOX: Dear nets, Great job with the embedded reporters, video cameras, and cool flak-jacket-wearing reporters sitting atop tanks. And the frequent recaps are nice. Oh, one minor irritant… could your reporters, announcers, and voiceovers PLEASE STOP REPEATING THE PHRASE “SHOCK AND AWE”???!!! I support our actions, and even I think it makes you sound like complete tools. I’m sorry for being so touchy, but after hearing the FIRST 100,000 USES OF THE TERM, it starts to grate. C’mon, you people have heard of the word “synonyn”. Here’s some possible substitutes: “Stun and stagger” “Astonish and wonder” “Amaze and surprise” “Flabbergast and overwhelm” And, if you’re really punch drunk, “tickle and tease.” Yes, more syllables are involved, but trust me, your core audience will be most grateful.

Daniel W. Drezner is a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and co-host of the Space the Nation podcast. Twitter: @dandrezner

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