It’s that time of year again! Lake Superior State University has released its annual Banished Words List. For 50 years, this quirky tradition has highlighted words and phrases that people find overused or just plain annoying. It all started as a fun New Year’s Eve idea in 1976 and has evolved into a cultural event.
This year, over 1,400 submissions came in from all corners of the globe, showing how passionate people are about language. LSSU President David Travis said he’s excited about the inclusion of the term “6-7.” No one seems to understand what it means, making it a perfect candidate for banishment.
The list isn’t just a light-hearted read; it also helps elevate the profile of the university, attracting attention to its focus on communication.
Here’s a quick look at some words that made the 2025 list:
- 6-7: Many believe this phrase lacks clarity and should be retired.
- Demure: Used too often, it’s losing its original meaning.
- Cooked: It’s become a cliché that’s hard to stomach for many.
- Massive: People feel this word is misused and overdone.
- Incentivize: This trendy verb is seen as confusing and unnecessary.
- Full stop: Redundant? Many think so.
- Perfect: It’s tricky to use appropriately, leading to skepticism.
- Gift/gifted: Turning nouns into verbs can feel forced.
- My Bad: Seen as immature and lacking in substance.
- Reach Out: Once meaningful, it now feels trite and overused.
In a special twist for its 50th anniversary, LSSU also highlighted “Repeat Offenders,” words that keep popping up despite previous banishments.
Some of these include:
- Absolutely: Still a favorite for expressing agreement, it’s making another comeback.
- At the End of the Day: This phrase has been banished multiple times, yet it refuses to go away.
- Awesome: Once considered meaningless for overuse, it still resurface.
- Game Changer: A term that’s lost its impact through excessive use.
Experts suggest that our language reflects cultural shifts. Many people are frustrated with how certain words diminish conversations. A study by the linguistics department at Stanford found that 28% of people believe overused phrases can dilute the strength of communication.
Social media also buzzes with reactions. Twitter users often share their own banishments, using the hashtag #BanishedWords to join in the fun.
Language is always evolving, and what feels fresh today might easily fall from grace tomorrow. As we dive into 2025, let’s be mindful of how we communicate.
Source link
Banned words
