I’m Not Going to Miss All the Mis-Statements

So is the addition of “mis” before a word now an admission you’ve been caught doing something you regret? Is “mis” the new must-have tactic whenever facing a news conference?

First, embattled baseball star Roger Clemens told Congress that former team mate Andy Petite “misremembered” a conversation about human growth hormone. Now, presidential candidate is saying she that she “misspoke” in describing a sniper attack, which resulted in a “misstatement.”

When is the last time you — any of you — used any of these “mis” words? I realize that public figures have to be creative in their word choice when facing a room full of snarling reporters. But can we please, please ditch the “mis” statements.

I’m waiting for Margaret B. Jones Peggy Seltzer to come out and say she “miswrote” her book. Or, maybe a soldier will say he “misshot” his weapon. The loser on Iron Chef will say he “miscooked” his meal? A drunken guitar playing rock star will say he “mischorded” his song?

Where oh where will the agony end?