Lake Superior State University has released their annual list of words to be banished for overuse, misuse or just plain uselessness.
It’s a tradition that began in 1976 when the university located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, published its first “List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness.”
Lake Superior State accepted submissions from people across the globe, including Australia, Germany, Denmark, India and South Africa, as well as the U.S. and Canada.
University President David Travis in a statement said, “Words matter! Old habits can be hard to break, and we’re happy to serve as a resource for the court of public opinion on what should continue to be part of the English language and what needs to be put to rest.”
The List:
Game Changer: “How many times can a game change before it is no longer recognizable? This phrase, often used to describe anything remotely innovative, is as tired as a well-worn cliché.”
Cringe: Once packing a punch, overuse has dulled its impact, and ironically, using it might now cause the very reaction it describes.
Era: “Unless you are Taylor Swift, it might be time to leave ‘era’ behind.”
Dropped: University says it’s more of a letdown which has begun falling flat.
IYKYK (If You Know, You Know): The internet slang and texting abbreviation is “cryptic and exclusionary, this phrase offers little clarity or substance. If you know, you might agree it is time to let this one go.”
Sorry Not Sorry: “A half-hearted apology masquerading as bold honesty, this phrase feels as disingenuous as it sounds,” Lake Superior State said. “Banished Word enthusiasts recommend just saying what you mean or in at least one case showing a little kindness.”
Skibidi: “This viral word may have resonated with a younger crowd, but for many it is just noise.”
100%: “Is it possible to be over-enthusiastic about retiring the phrase ‘100%?’ Absolutely!”
Utilize: LSSU called this word a classic offender saying: “Utilize proves that longer is not always better. Why complicate things when ‘use’ works just fine?”
Period: “Yes, we understand your point — no need to verbally punctuate it,” LSSU said. “Overuse has turned this into a period we are ready to end.”
