Sometimes, in my crazier moments, I get this feeling that people talk the way they do just to piss me off.

Just imagine, at one time in my life, I actually believed that “on” was the opposite of “off.”  Now it seems the two words, in oft-used constructions, have the same meaning.

Here’s what I’m talking about:  “The success of our team is based off of a strong defense.”

Or:  “I’m convinced we can improve off our production techniques.”

Or:  “The popularity of this process is built off of strong design.”

And finally, my current favorite:  “They thrive off being challenged.”

I read, on some blogs, that certain commentors see these uses as “idioms.”  If “idiom” means “used by some, but still wrong,” then fine.  I don’t think it does.

If my consternation at these uses makes me a strict constructionist or – shudder — a prescriptivist, then I accept the label(s) with gusto.