Use of the word "but".....

[purchgdss]

I have a pet peeve I'd like to share and see what others think.  My peeve is the word "but".  The usage of this as part of a statement usually negates the preceeding.  For example, "I'm sorry, but...." or "I don't mean to be ugly, but...."

To me, this just says you are the opposite of what you started out with or that you are insincere and waves red flags.

Anyone else?

[TZ]

I have to agree that the word "but" can be annoying in the examples you have given.  However (not but ), there are some perfectly legitimate contexts in which the word has no negative meaning.  For instance, I might say, "I normally love to eat ice cream, but I'm too full to enjoy it right now."

[Buffy2424]

I like the word 'but.'  But I don't think I use it like that!

It just feels less formal and more conversational than saying "However..." 

[Lisbeth]

I agree that if the word "but" is used as a lead-in to make a snide or critical comment after "I'm sorry" or a phrase of that nature, it's really annoying.

If it's being used more generically, as in, "She wanted to go out, but it was raining," it's not rude or annoying, just factual.

[Lunadiana75]

The ever classic "Well, I'm not a racist BUT, *insert horrible slur/stereotype here".  Head, meet wall.

[MsEva]

Dr. Phil says that the word "but" means "take everything I've just said and ignore it because here's what I really mean".

The man comes up with a great point every now and then...

[Belle]

Ohhh, that is a horrible habit of mine. When I ask my fiance to do something (or not do something), I have a horrible habit of phrasing the statement as "I love you but..." Example: "Honey, I love you, but can you please wipe down the sink after you shave so there isn't hair all over?" He started teasing me about it after awhile.

I don't know where the heck I got that phrase from, and I've been trying to work it out of my vocabulary. Maybe it's because I don't like making nagging statements and the "I love you" is meant to somehow negate the nagging? Or maybe it's because I take criticisms too much to heart, so I'm trying to make sure that he knows I still love him even if he's doing something that I find annoying? At any rate, it makes it sound as if my love for him is somehow lessened by whatever small, negative habit I mention after the "but."

Thankfully fiance knows I love him (no but!!!) and that I'm just quirky!

[Clara Bow]

You have to watch me for heart-blessing. I know I shouldn't do it, but I do.
"Bless her heart, she hasn't got the brains God promised a goose" or "That boy must have bathed in cologne, bless his heart."
  I'm really a nice girl, honest....BUT!!!!!
LOL

[Bijou]

I have a pet peeve I'd like to share and see what others think.  My peeve is the word "but".  The usage of this as part of a statement usually negates the preceeding.  For example, "I'm sorry, but...." or "I don't mean to be ugly, but...."

To me, this just says you are the opposite of what you started out with or that you are insincere and waves red flags.

Anyone else?

I'm going to have to stop talking...first someone didn't like "alot" and now "but" is the annoying term of the day. I do use "but", but will try not to use it wrong anymore.   :  )

I do know what you mean about "but" and try not to use it in ways that override what I am saying, however, I don't get red flags about it when someone else does it, and figure it is just part of our speech pattern.  And since someone mentioned 'alot' I have been putting that space in between the a and the l. 
One thing that bothers me, since we are talking about minor irritations, is how so many people do not know how to spell definitely.  So many spell it definately, I had to look it up to make sure I knew how to spell it correctly.

[TZ]

One thing that bothers me, since we are talking about minor irritations, is how so many people do not know how to spell definitely.  So many spell it definately, I had to look it up to make sure I knew how to spell it correctly.

Or better yet, "defiantly."  The one that gets to me is "truely."

[MerryRaven]

I definitely have a problem spelling definitely.  I have to remember there is a 'nite' in the middle.

Thank you for the reminder.

I think 'but' can be used in a negative way.  Such as "You are so pretty, but your hair is a funny color."

"I like you a lot, but you really can't cook."

And I think it can be used in a neutral way.  "I was going to go to the party, but I got sick."

[Just Lori]

I've read that "but" stands for behold the underlying truth.  In other words, whatever comes after "but" is the truth, and anything else is just window dressing.

[Pixie]

Today has been a very bad day, BUT maybe tomorrow will be better.


 

[Lisbeth]

I remember once my dad teased me by saying I was great, wonderful, fantastic, special, and lots of other positive things.  Cynical me responded, "But?"  My dad fell over laughing and I ended up laughing with him.

He actually wanted to remind me to not leave empty glasses in the kitchen sink.  I got the message.

[Ticia]

I have to agree that the word "but" can be annoying in the examples you have given.  However (not but ), there are some perfectly legitimate contexts in which the word has no negative meaning.  For instance, I might say, "I normally love to eat ice cream, but I'm too full to enjoy it right now."

I'm sorry, but () I fail to see how being too full to eat ice cream has no negative meaning.

That reminds me, I have a half gallong of Swiss Milk Chocolate ice cream in my freezer right now...