Well this is really embarrassing to admit. Not only do I butcher the English language when writing (eg. to vs. too, by vs. buy, you're vs. your, effect vs. affect). But I also mispronounce words. For instance today, I learned that cumin is a spice for Mexican dishes. I was wondering if it was really needed in chili and was advised not to exclude it. Well when my wife came home, I said I had to run to the store to buy some cumin but I was pronouncing it come-in. Well she quickly corrected me and I even looked it up to make sure she was right, and yes, I was way off. It is actually pronounced KUH-mihn. So thankfully, I knew where the spices are stocked and did not ask the grocery lady where the cumin was located. I could have been arrested!!!
I have also misused words because of my German mom. She used to always use the phrase "chew them down" when referring to the act of bargaining. Now I really hope that was the phrase she was using. Well this year at the ripe old age of 42, I learned no one says "chew them down" but instead uses the derogatory phrase "Jew them down." I was mortified. I mentioned it to my cube mate and he said he was always shocked I used the phrase since it wasn't Christianish. But I found out I am not alone. A friend from Indiana used the same phrase.
So if I have ever been offensive it's due to my German heritage.
