Lake Superior State University has hit a big milestone—the 50th annual Banished Words List is here! This quirky tradition started back in 1976 as a lighthearted New Year’s Eve party idea. Now, it sparks discussions about language around the globe, drawing over 1,400 suggestions this year from all 50 states and countries like Japan and Brazil.
So, what’s making the list this time? Here are some of the standout words and phrases:
- 6-7 (six seven): Many find this vague and want it gone, as in “six or seven reasons.”
- Demure: This word has lost its punch, often showing up in over-the-top phrases.
- Cooked: Frequently used to describe someone’s brain feeling overwhelmed.
- Massive: Overused to the point of losing its original meaning.
- Incentivize: Folks prefer the word “motivate” instead.
- Full stop: Seen as unnecessary, much like the previous banished term “period.”
- Perfect: Rarely accurate, especially in customer service.
- Gifted (as a verb): Another case of a noun mistakenly turned into a verb.
- My bad: Considered childish as an apology.
- Reach out: Once a supportive phrase, now overdone.
The list also highlights phrases that have shown up more than once, like:
- Absolutely (1996, 2023): Once a popular choice, it’s back as a go-to for agreement.
- At the End of the Day (1999, 2022, 2024): This cliché has made the list three times, often criticized by pundits.
- Awesome (1984, 2007): Initially banished for being exaggerated, it returned again with complaints about its overuse.
- Game Changer (2009, 2025): Described as an overused term in politics and business, this phrase seems on track for another ban.
- Hot Water Heater (1982, 2018): Questioned for its redundancy—after all, shouldn’t just “water heater” be enough?
Interestingly, this list reflects a broader trend in language, especially in our digital age. Words often lose their original meaning through overuse. According to recent studies, the average person encounters about 20,000 words daily online. This exposure can dilute language and render many expressions meaningless.
Social media reactions show a mix of support and humor. Many users share their own suggestions, tagging each other with phrases they find annoying. “Can we ban ‘Let’s circle back’ next year?” has been trending on Twitter recently, illustrating the ongoing frustration with buzzwords that just won’t go away.
For those interested, more details about the list and future nominations can be found on the Lake Superior State University website.
Source link
Lake Superior State University
