Pre-Order
I have a deep aversion to the phrase 'Pre-order' as I believe it is used by morons with no understanding of the English language.

Some definitions taken from a dictionary:

pre-, prefix - before (a time or an event)
order, noun - a request to make, supply or deliver food or goods

So strictly speaking, a pre-order is something done before making an order. If you are requesting something be supplied to you on the day it becomes available, it is an order, nothing more, nothing less.
(Scooby Don't, Fri 9 Apr 2010, 11:37, 4 replies)

I prefer reserve
which I think would be the correct word in that sense.
( sandettie light vessel automatic New Twitter - @bollocksreally, Fri 9 Apr 2010, 11:46, closed)

Yes!
I also despise the concept of 'pre-ordering', as it usually involves a branch of Waterstones or HMV plonking a shitty-looking flipchart by the entrance, daubed with a message telling us we can 'Pre-order' the forthcoming Harry Potter book/Coldplay album/Twilight DVD/other major release. What's the point of that then? It's not like there's going to be a Buzz Lightyear-style shortage, there are warehouses packed to the rafters with Robert Bloody Pattinson's latest squint-fest. Wouldn't it just be easier to pop in on the day it comes out and pick up a copy then? Or, even easier, not buy it at all and go and sit in Starbucks instead, where I can watch as many grumpy teenagers grunting at each other as I want for free?
(costas, Fri 9 Apr 2010, 14:41, closed)

Pre-order is absolutely rage-inducing!
It is used by morons with no understanding. Period.
(nickynackynoo, Mon 12 Apr 2010, 16:42, closed)

I'm with you on this one, it really gets on my tits.
I've come across other examples of the same mistake:

A poster in Bristol Airport mentions "pre-book" when they just meant "book".
The secretary at work sent an email to "pre-warn" us about something when she just meant "warn".
I've even heard "pre-prepare" somewhere, FFS!
( Jago Laurens, Tue 13 Apr 2010, 13:24, closed)