2009 Banished Words List
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"It’s that time of year again!"
Lake Superior State University "maverick" word-watchers, fresh from the holiday "staycation" but without an economic "bailout" even after a "desperate search," have issued their 34th annual List of Words to Be Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness. This year’s list may be more "green" than any of the previous lists and includes words and phrases that people from "Wall Street to Main Street" say they love "not so much" and wish to have erased from their "carbon footprint."
Environmental buzzwords are getting the axe this year.
"Green" and "going green" received the most nominations.
GREEN – The ubiquitous ‘Green’ and all of its variables, such as ‘going green,’ ‘building green,’ ‘greening,’ ‘green technology,’ ‘green solutions’ and more, drew the most attention from those who sent in nominations this year.
"This phrase makes me go green every time I hear it." Danielle Brunin, Lawrence, Kansas.
"I’m all for being environmentally responsible, but this ‘green’ needs to be nipped in the bud." Valerie Gilson, Gales Ferry, Conn.
"Companies are less ‘green’ than ever, advertising the fact they are ‘green.’ Is anyone buying this nonsense?" Mark Etchason, Denver, Colo.
"If something is good for the environment, just say so. As Kermit would say, ‘It isn’t easy being green.’" Kevin Sherlock, Hiawatha, Iowa.
"If I see one more corporation declare itself ‘green,’ I’m going to start burning tires in my backyard." Ed Hardiman, Bristow, Va.
"This spawned ‘green solutions,’ ‘green technology,’ and the horrible use of the word as a verb, as in, ‘We really need to think about greening our office.’" Mike McDermott, Philadelphia, Penn.
CARBON FOOTPRINT or CARBON OFFSETTING – "It is now considered fashionable for everyone, tree hugger or lumberjack alike, to pay money to questionable companies to ‘offset’ their own ‘carbon footprint.’ What a scam! Get rid of it immediately!" Ginger Hunt, London, England.
Mike of Chicago says that when he hears the phrase ‘carbon footprint,’ "I envision microscopic impressions on the surface of the earth where an atom of carbon forgot to wear its shoes."
Christy Loop of Woodbridge, Va., says that ‘leaving a carbon footprint’ has become the new ‘politically incorrect.’ "How can we not, in one way or another, affect our natural environment?"
Presidential election years are always ripe for language abuse. This year, the electorate grew weary of ‘mavericks’ and ’super delegates.’ As Michael W. Casby of Haslett, Mich. said, when he suggested banning all of the candidates’ names, "Come on, it’s been another too-long campaign season."
MAVERICK – "The constant repetition of this word for months before the US election diluted whatever meaning it previously had. Even the comic offshoot ‘mavericky’ was terribly overused. A minimum five-year banishment of both words is suggested so they will not be available during the next federal election." Matthew Mattila, Green Bay, Wisc.
"You know it’s time to banish this word when even the Maverick family, who descended from the rancher who inspired the term, says it’s being mis-used." Scott Urbanowski, Kentwood, Mich.
"I’m a maverick, he’s a maverick, wouldn’t you like to be a maverick, too?" Michael Burke, Silver Spring, Md.
FIRST DUDE – "Skateboard English is not an appropriate way to refer to the spouse of a high-ranking public official." Paul Ruschmann, Canton, Mich.
Of course, the economy couldn’t escape the list this year.
BAILOUT – "Use of emergency funds to remove toxic assets from banks’ balance sheets is not a bailout. When your cousin calls you from jail in the middle of the night, he wants a bailout." Ben Green, State College, Penn.
"Is it a loan? Is it a purchase of assets by the government? Is it a gift made by the taxpayers?" Dave Gill, Traverse City, Mich.
"Now it seems as though every sector of the economy wants a bailout. Unfortunately, ordinary workers can’t qualify." Tony, McLeansville, NC.
"Don’t we love how Capitol Hill will bailout Wall Street, but not Main Street"? Derrick Chamberlain, Midland, Mich.
Speaking of Wall Street and Main Street…
WALL STREET/MAIN STREET – "When this little dyad first came into use at the start of the financial crisis, I thought it was a clever use of parallelism. But it’s simply over-used. No ’serious’ discussion of the crisis can take place without some political figure lamenting the fact that the trouble on Wall Street is affecting ‘folks’ on Main Street." Charles Harrison, Aiken, SC.
"The recent and continuing financial failings are not limited to ‘Wall Street,’ nor should one paint business, consumers, and small investors as ‘ Main Street .’ Topeka (where I work), and Lawrence (where I live), Kansas, have no named ‘ Main Street .’ How tiresome." Kent McAnally, Topeka, KS. "I am so tired of hearing about everything affecting ‘ Main Street .’ I know that with the ‘Wall Street’ collapse, the comparison is convenient, but really, let’s find another way to talk about everyman or the middle class, or even, heaven forbid, ‘Joe the Plumber.’" Stacey, Knoxville, Tenn.
Internet and texting blues - MONKEY – "Especially on the Internet, many people seem to think they can make any boring name sound more attractive just by adding the word ‘monkey’ to it. Do a search to find the latest. It is no longer funny." Rogier Landman, Somerville, Mass.
<3 – Supposed to resemble a heart, or stand for the word ‘love.’ Used when sending those important text messages to loved ones. "Just say the word instead of making me turn my head sideways and wondering what ‘less than three’ means." Andrea Estrada, Chicago.
Overuse in news and entertainment
ICON or ICONIC – Overused, especially among entertainers and in entertainment news, according to Robyn Yates of Dallas, who says that "every actor, actress and entertainment magazine show overuses this." One of the most-nominated words of the year. "Everyone and everything cannot be ‘iconic.’ Can’t we switch to ‘legendary’ or ‘famous for’? In our entertainment-driven culture, it seems everyone in show business is ‘iconic’ for some reason or another. "John Flood, Bray, Wicklow, Ireland. "It’s becoming the new ‘awesome’ - overused to the point where everything from a fast-food restaurant chain to celebrities is ‘iconic.’" Jodi Gill, New Berlin, Wisc. "Just because a writer recognizes something does not make it an icon (a visual symbol or representation which inspires worship or veneration) or iconic. It just means that the writer has seen it before." Brian Murphy, Fairfield, Conn.
GAME CHANGER – "It’s game OVER for this cliché, which gets overused in the news media, political arenas and in business." Cynthia, Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
STAYCATION – "Occurrences of this word are going up with gas prices.’Vacation’ does not mean ‘travel,’ nor does travel always involve vacation. Let’s send this word on a slow boat to nowhere." Dan Muldoon, Omaha, Neb.
"The cost of petrol forces many families to curtail their summer voyages and a new word has sprung, idiotic and rootless…" Michele Mooney, Los Angeles, Calif.
DESPERATE SEARCH – "Every time the news can’t find something intelligent to report, they start on a ‘desperate search’ for someone, somewhere." Rick A. Hyatt, Saratoga, Wyo.
NOT SO MUCH – "I wish that the phrase was used not so much," says Tom Benson of Milwaukee, who notes that it is used widely in news media, especially in sports, i.e. ‘The Gophers have a shot at the playoffs; the Chipmunks, not so much.’ "Casual language usage is acceptable. ‘Not so much?’ Not so much." David Hollis, Hubbardsville, NY. "Do I like concise writing? Yes. Do I like verbose clichés? Not so much." David W. Downing, St. Paul, Minn. "A favorite of snarky critics and bloggers." Jeff Baenen, Minneapolis, Minn.
WINNER OF FIVE NOMINATIONS – "It hasn’t won an Academy Award yet. It has only been NOMINATED!" John Bohenek, Abilene, Tex.
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN – Nominated by Kathleen Brosemer of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., for "general overuse and meaninglessness. When is it not ‘that time of year again?’ From Valentine’s sales to year-end charity letters, invitations to summer picnics and Christmas parties, it’s ‘that time’ of year again. Just get to the point of the solicitation, invitation, and newsletter and cut out six useless and annoying words."
LSSU accepts nominations for the banished-words list throughout the year. To submit your nomination for the 2010 list, Click here: Suggest a Word.
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Lake Superior State University is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, along the U.S./Canada international border. With an enrollment of about 3,000 students, LSSU offers an undergraduate experience that features small classes, individual attention and faculty/student research opportunities that are not always readily available at larger schools. LSSU students choose from a blend of liberal and technical studies in more than 45 areas. For admissions information, go to LSSU’s admissions web site, www.lssu.edu/admissions. |
Posted: December 15th, 2008 under Banished 2009.
Comments: 567
Comments
Comment from Nicole
Time: December 30, 2008, 4:30 pm
you said for love one would put a 3 for texting or online talk , you forgot to also place a
Comment from John Marranca, Jr
Time: December 30, 2008, 9:34 pm
I really loathe the “maverick” phrase. McCain was such a maverick…that he voted 90% IN LOCKSTEP with Bush and the Republican Party. That’s not a maverick, that’s a lemming.
Comment from S. Schaefer
Time: December 30, 2008, 10:20 pm
I remember the week the networks pushed the word ‘green’ and the phrase ‘going green.’ The coining of that phrase was deliberate. It took an entire week though and now everyone uses it.
Comment from kari
Time: December 30, 2008, 11:02 pm
Comment from kev
Time: December 30, 2008, 11:22 pm
Who cares about the Queen’s English. We are Americans we say things our own way. That why it is called American English.
Comment from Amy
Time: December 30, 2008, 11:23 pm
I’m surprised ‘robust’ didn’t make the list. Maybe it’s only at the company I work for, but that word has gotten way out of control in recent months. Everything is robust. Even meetings are described as robust. It’s not right.
Comment from Jerry Farrow
Time: December 30, 2008, 11:36 pm
Any reason you poor folks can’t get a life?
Comment from Mary Jane
Time: December 30, 2008, 11:49 pm
It is what it is……………ahhhh! I am so very sick of that phrase.
Here is my submission of my newly coined word that aptly describes my lack of computer finesse……..I am ‘tech-tarded’.
Comment from Lee
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:00 am
As well as* saying as well as*, I can use what seems to be one of the major ‘catch phrases’ in American television ( radio as well ?* ) journalism ( including the jocks hired to do ‘color’ ). Am I left in the woods, as well as* the trees and as well as* the bushes by not using this redundant, artificially sophisticated phrase to make additions as well as* extra words to sentences.
What the hell happened to simply using TOO?
Comment from Bill Losoncy
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:09 am
Wish I’d have gotten to you earlier. My most disliked phrase is: “The proof is in the pudding.” In that form it makes absolutely no sense and is usually uttered as a profound remark. the proper phrase is , of course: “The proof of the pudding is in the eating” which does make sense.
Comment from Robert Wells, DSc.E.E.
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:35 am
It has to do with pronounciation. Any contraction that ends in “n’t” Seems you don’t even have to be educated to screw this one up these days. Simply say, “counan” instead of “couldn’t.” Or “shounan” instead of “shouldn’t.” It has been further expanded recently to include “stunan” instead of student. If the people of this great land are going to be this lazy in their speech then lets just drop all the old words and put in the mispronounced ones. That way everyone will be “right” again.
Comment from Abbigail
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:41 am
I like the phrase, “IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN.” Our family uses it for many occasions and reasons. It also fits in with–”IT’S THAT TIME OF MONTH AGAIN.” I’m not just speaking as a woman who happens to have monthly periods. But also living with my 25 year old daughter whom has them also. And a loving Husband and Father who is brave enough to drive thru a blizzard at 3 am to the store for tampons! Both of these phrases have several meanings for the love of mike! As to “IT’S THAT TIME OF THE MONTH AGAIN”– A PAY DAY! Oh damn, rent or mortgage is due! For “IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN”–FOOTBALL! TAX RETURN (for some people), YEARLY BONUS CHECK! And my favorite–VACATION!
Comment from Juliet Arroyo
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:57 am
the above are no brainers - look to the everday
The most overused phrase this year is:
“Do you know what I mean?”
Comment from Tammy Sherman
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:05 am
I guess Main Street is not very important to most since it is now deemed a “useless or banished term”. Well, for me, on Main Street, I have lost my growing business and now have been forced to be on the unemployment line for the first time in my 23 years of being employed after college. I must say that I feel the term “Main Street” is so misunderstood to most and is absolutely unimportant to most politianans who could care less about small businesses and impact the decisions they make upon the small business sectors. thanks for nothing!!! Regards, Main Street!
Comment from Caitlin
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:08 am
I think that all of these people need to “get a life”. I mean come on folks. Banning words? Seriously? I mean its one thing if you ban curse words or something like that, but words that have no offense, that is ridiculous. The word “monkey”? Really people? Its a type of animal. One that is loved by many kids. Of course its used often. I could rant on and on but I’ll stop. Hopefully I’ve made my point.
Comment from Nemo
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:08 am
I think it would be best for you to rethink what it is you are trying to say. I am sure that it is not the word you are trying to banish but the definition. “Green” is still “Green” and it will stay in the dictionary whether you like it or not but the way the word “Green” is used is what it is you are truly trying to banish. to be honest i am not totally sure if these definitions are even in the dictionary and if so then it does not matter if you vote it to be banished or if it does become banished the way the word was used is what us, and I use this loosely compared to how arrogant you people in the higher educational collages are, poor folk call “street lingo”. yes this means, and again i say this because you seem to have a condition that mistakes the actual word for the definition of the word or how the word is used, that the word or set of words are used in a vary loose fashion, meaning that it is not totally intended to be used as the word was originally meant to be used, or that the word is to take on a hole new meaning because of some relation it has to its new meaning. allow me to reiterate with an example. “Green” is used in a way that represents the earth, or to put it in a better way the trees and plants that inhabit the earth. follow me here this might get a little difficult, but the trees and plants for the most part are in fact “green” and so the use of the word “green” is meant as a way of representing the trees and/or plants. now I am sure that if you took a little more time to think about what it is you wanted to say you might have avoided this email, but then again you are from a higher level of college aptitude and there for you must think you are higher in the educational ladder then most of us lesser privileged.
Comment from Ben Yates
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:09 am
There is one word that is sorely missing from this list:
Vetted - the process that, apparently, only politicians go through when choosing running-mates, or perhaps their pets…
Comment from Eric Stiven
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:24 am
Any of several shortened words like sto’ for store or dat for that or da for the ……………. “I’m goin’ to da sto’ fo’ dat……….. yuk! We be talkin’ wit som’ bad gramma’ in the words of James at War …………………………. Eric Stiven, Burton MI
Comment from Ernest Stark
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:43 am
Your list sadly misses the phrase “attention whore.” As in “The Lake Superior State University is a total attention whore.”
Comment from Kathy
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:44 am
What happend to ” Freedom Of Speech “?
Comment from Blakk Kaht
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:55 am
So what? I’m not allowed to use these words anymore? May I then assume the Lexicon Constabulary will be knocking on my door if I do??
Comment from Vicki
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:02 am
I would like to add the phrase:
“That being said….”
Comment from T. Silva
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:10 am
Another word that I’d like to leave a my STOOL PRINT on is the word DIVA, especially when applied to fat over exposed Hollywood pigs like Rosanne Bar or Rosie O’Donnel, or that talentless MONKEY, Paris Hilton.
Comment from Alastair Green
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:20 am
Guesstimate is so annoying. An estimate is a guess. If someone asks me how long it takes to get from London to New York, I don’t give them an exact time, but only an estimate.
Unique cannot have gradations and so something is not very unique or quite unique.
Tad bit is unnecessary as tad means bit.
Don’t use so, absolutely, or totally in every sentence. A student at my school, though I think she’s graduated, told her fiance that “You so win!” when he proposed. What the hell does that mean? Education is a wonderful thing.
These last two are not words that should be banished, but examples of incorrect pronunciation or usage. When a word begins with a vowel, unless it’s a ‘u’ in some cases, ‘the’ should be pronounced with the long ‘e’ and the indefinite article is ‘an’ and not ‘a’ as I hear used. It particularly annoys me when a faculty member will say, for example, “A egg”, “A apple” etc.
You’re teachers, I expect more of you.
Comment from Jo Ann Frisch
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:22 am
“It is what it is.” One of the most meaningless, useless, idiotic, maddening, phrases ever! And, it also sounds terrible falling on the ear as chalk on a blackboard.
Comment from Amy
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:31 am
I just cannot believe how people misuse words today! Emoticons are just too annoying! I can’t even read text messages! ‘:-)’ and ‘i
Comment from Santa
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:31 am
what about “perfect storm”…?
this is the most overused phrase EVER!!!!
Comment from T D W
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:32 am
1.) “That said”, That being said”, “Saying that”, “With that said”, “Inspite of that being said”…
“Just Stop Feaking Saying That”
2.) “You Know?”, “You Know!”
3.) “Please Hold”, “Hold On”, “Hold”, Hold on a Sec”, “Hold a minute”,…
“Hold this MoFo!”
4.) “Huh?”
5.) “You know what I mean?”
I could go on but I’d have to start charging for my fee…
Comment from Corey Mantle
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:36 am
How are “hope” and “change” not on the list?
That’s all I’ve heard for the past year, and it’s all I continue hearing.
Maverick is not nearly as annoying to hear about.
Comment from Sam Phin
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:36 am
This list is completely LAME! If all the time spent discussing these words and such was actually put to good use, we’d come up with some real good solutions to problems in society. I think we have enough things that humor, entertain, and distract us from our sometimes mundane lives; we don’t need this. To everyone who submitted an entry to this “prestigious” list or had a part in compiling it, I have one word for you: FAILZ!
Comment from Steve
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:55 am
Some 90% of the 16-25’s who omit “actually” from their list are hypocrites.
Comment from William Rhoades
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:58 am
I think it’s time that all athletes, coaches, and sportscasters quit using the phrase “It is what it is.” This has become an ugly trend that many abuse to avoid saying “I don’t Know.”
Comment from Alyssa
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:03 am
If I followed The Elements of Style to this degree of rigor, I’d find it difficult to say anything, ever, without second-guessing myself about whether some Stark purist would approve of my phrasing or not.
Some of these I’ve actually never heard…like “staycation”…but that could be a result of my having lived under certain geological feature for the past year, apparently.
I find it interesting that “Maverick” and “Joe the Plumber” were brought up, but not “change”…which was arguably equally noticeable unless you were being deafened by rabid applause and fangirl screams for Obama.
This sounds a little snarky I suppose, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t agree with many of these, or think that it was an meritless endeavor. Just a little one-sided.
Comment from Tempeldragen
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:03 am
For the 2010 list I suggest we ban the word “nonsense” since we live in a time of relativism where all kinds of people claim that all kinds of things are TRUE TO THEM and thereby nullify the need for empirical verification or validation. These days everything passes since things are “true to me” or “a fact to me” etc etc etc.
We also suggest that the word “truth” is banned since in these times of political and religous outbreaks nobody seems to care if what they say actually corresponds to an external reality.
Comment from Ryan N
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:04 am
Myley Cyrus. HannaH Montana are two words that are a MISS-USED, overused. an useless they should be BANNED
for the love of our country please….ban these two woard
Comment from Chris
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:24 am
After my mother watching too much Nancy Grace, I was just about to come here and nominate “tot mom” for the list. Apparently Casey Anthony no longer has a name and is just “the tot mom”. Never mind that she is clearly not a “tot” and nobody refers to her daughter as “the tot” and that, even if they did, the correct phrasing would be “the tot’s mom”. This one just touches a nerve every time I hear it and it really does need to get banished.
Comment from Brittany
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:27 am
Come on dudes, that stuff is harsh. I refer to the pope as being a dude. Slang terms are being integrated more into our society. And banishing them just seems harsh to me. The first dude seems ok to me. But then again, who am I but a stereotyped teenager (18) just like all the rest. We are the future of the world. However scary it may be. dude isnt just a word used by skateboarders. Even my 43 year old mom says dude. And i always text
Comment from Kenneth Muckenfuhs
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:37 am
The idea of banning words, especially the ones chosen, is quite inane. I think perhaps the makers of this list should apply themselves to a more useful endeavor than wasting our brain cells and our tax money on such a medieval practice. Freedom of speech and expression is a staple of this country. Grow up.
Comment from Matthew Wright
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:41 am
My word is “nothing”. “What’cha doing?”:Nothing. “What do you want to talk about?”: Nothing. It’s just a crutch. An excuse, rather. It just says that there’s something, but I don’t want you to know. “Nothing” is a shield of styrofoam, not plexiglass; it works, but can be torn down and demolished by something stronger.
Pretty soon, “nothing” will be just ‘nothing’.
Comment from Brandon
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:43 am
These words are for their product usage, not so much for actually being said aloud, although if one was to bring the subject of food (which is probably the most spoken subject) then one would use the word-Pomegranate- extensively within their conversation. I’m sure you’ve most likely already received the word Organic into your database.
How about the word eclectic? Or would that be most used within 2007?
Comment from Woe Woe
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:45 am
Whatever- I can’t believe no one has mentioned this over & over, overused word. Oh well, whatever.
Comment from Rick Fischer
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:46 am
How could you miss, the one I hate the most..”at the end of the day”. I hav’nt met anyone who cannot resist it in their wrap up of any conversation or speech. Please, please, save us all from this one., Rick
Comment from K. Johnson
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:50 am
I would point out that “1337 (l33t, or leet)” is not a part of the “Queen’s English”. It is considered to be a separate language formed by, and unique to the internet. This “language”, if you will, is meant to supplement the user’s language, whatever it may be. While MOST of “1337″ as we are aware of it is rather badly mangled English, “
Comment from fe cogley
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:52 am
the phrase that gets my vote (and gets my goat) for most overused in 2008 is. . .”at the end of the day. . .” (meaning in the final analysis)
Comment from Melinda
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:57 am
Maybe this has been previously banished but I still hear it on tv, movies, and casual conversation. I am “so” doing or not doing something. I feel like I am “so” locked in a Friends episode and I “so” don’t know how to escape.
Comment from kim
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:58 am
DUMB!!!! HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO THAN HUNT FOR WORDS THAT SEEM OVERUSED!!!!
Comment from Stephani
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:02 am
Where is the word ‘dis’? as in the excesivelly over used expression ‘dissing me’, ‘dissing you’ ‘dissing him’, dig it a grave. And do not forget the root of the word which isn’t a grammatically correct word to begin with, ‘disrespecting’ which I guess replaced the archiac description ‘lack of respect’ or ’showed no respect’ or ‘that’s not very respectful’. I know some people must think I am over 100 years old to think that it is not ok to use nouns or adjectives as verbs. Some how this must have slipped by because I did not see it on the list anywhere. How could bling, dawg, & a form of dude, get on there and not ‘dissin’ were you guys sleeping when those requests came in? This is like having someone send in the word/phrase Hammertime as a must go, and you all voting to keep it. What’s up with that? —>Which should have made the list some where.
On the outside chance that I made a mistake and overlooked this great word and forms of it, please excuse all my sarcastic remarks. But thanks for trying to clean it up, the english language thanks you.
FYI, these lists are not easy to find, you should up grade the archives. Tho words alone are not quite as funny as the words & nominations.
Comment from Patrick Healy
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:11 am
I find your dislike for the term “going green” similar to a dislike for ads for St. Judith’s hospital or breast cancer research. At least the addition of “green,” in its various parts of speech, gets people thinking about the idea of environmental consciousness.
Comment from Saife
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:13 am
That is the most important thing University is doing “Keeping a check on the language usage” , I really loved it and of course I think that some words needs to be just banish like ” Bail out”
now what does it really mean, I don’t know but a sweeper of a public bathroom is up to bailout some thing, for heavens sake.
Comment from Charles Allen
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:14 am
Very interesting I like the idea of showing how words can become abused.
I hate to hear these words “dude” “wazup”"cool” “mainstreet usa”
“yo” and I cant do this without mentioning “mother of all- storms wars failures and any other name o go with it” and “xmas” .
I dont know if any of these are on the list except for “main street usa”
Comment from mike
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:15 am
Screw you people, I will use any words I darn well please.
Comment from Ahlia
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:17 am
Please add the words “conversate/conversating” to the banished list. If I hear one more person say either of the two I am going to scream and possibly pull my hair out. ARRRRRRRRRRG! Thanks for creating this list. It may just help the America get its’ vocabulary back on track.
Comment from Steve Schultz
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:20 am
“drill down” as used in corperate jargon…”Lets drill down that idea and get to the core”
” in terms of” as used in the sentences ” I am very smart in terms of intelligence” or “I am very rich in terms of money”
Comment from Dan Quackenbush
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:25 am
Please add, for the 2010 list, if it already isn’t, the term “hottie”,”he/she’s hot”, etc. it’s over-used and meaningless. If i hear one more person referring to themselves or others as “hot”, I just may indulge thir wish and set them ablaze (kidding but you get my point), or at least perhaps turn the thermostat way down so they cool off.
Comment from Per Gunnar Hillesøy
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:25 am
Talk about stuffy and pompous.
Comment from T. G.
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:32 am
How about:
“It is what it is” and “With that being said” or “Having said that”.
Comment from Press_the_8
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:34 am
How’d we get the phrase ‘Click on’? What’s the matter with the old ’select’.
‘Bailout’ irritates me. It hides the fact that if we don’t support our Local International Bank and Domestic Automobile Manufacturer the Federal Gov’t will take our tax money and do it for us.
‘Change We Can Believe In’. Where? Judging by the current Cabinet selections it looks like the ’same old, same old’ Sigh…
Comment from Kimberly
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:38 am
I am a guilty over user of the “less than three” emote. But once I discovered it a year ago I thought it was so cute I just had to use it.
Comment from Don Bunnell
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:44 am
This probably has been banished many years ago, if it hasn’t it sould be, “I don’t have a CLUE” Would they know what a clue looks like if they had one? Use of this should be punishable by jail time or a stiff fine.
Thank for letting me vent!!
Comment from Frank Lee
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:48 am
I suppose the word “education” should be taken out also for it’s over use at universities where there’s little education to be gained by wasting time making lists of over used words that tiny young ears can’t filter out. Glad we have those self proclaimed word police officers working over time. And while you’re at it, ask your professors if the word “paycheck” should be removed for its over use and lack of meaning.
Comment from Nick Faver
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:59 am
I think “change” definitely needed to be on this years list. A word that was so abused in this year’s election and heard far more often than “maverick” definitely meets the criteria of “Mis-use” and “Over-use” for this list. The term became so ambiguous and garnerned such mob support that its genuine meaning took a huge hit in 2008.
Comment from Jim Isaac
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:01 am
Get rid of MORAL HAZARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment from David
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:05 am
How about “change” or “candidate of change” or “change has come to America”. I was so tired of hearing this cliche word. It along with “Washington outsider” made me ill.
Comment from Greg
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:06 am
Funny thing is that 80% of people are mindless non-thinkers and are just now starting to over-use these words. They hear them from the Katie Couric news media type or the “prime time” television programs that are geared for the under 50 IQ crowd.
Comment from Pam
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:08 am
I wouldn’t curtail any effort to encourage more interesting texts but with keystroke limitations, I don’t actually see
Comment from Randy Starling
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:08 am
I read the list. Long Story Short, you missed one phrase.
Comment from Steven Edward Sands
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:10 am
Bravo! Or is that a banned word too? Although, I agree wholeheartedly with the entries and that most of these words and phrases should, indeed, bebanned, I must say that it is this colorful and creative streak of wordsmithing (oops! I did it again) that makes American English so wonderful. As a teacher of English to Foreign Learners and a Turkish English teacher trainer, I must attest to the fact that learners of English are amazed, amused and completely enamored with our brilliant language- its depth, breadth and content. So even if some of these concoctions bother us, please believe me when I say that the world loves our ingenuity and creativity, drive and desire to explain ourselves, especially with our amazing language. To all the phrase coiners and wordsmiths and even their detractors - keep up the good work and energy! Happy New Year to you all!
Comment from Ken
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:12 am
Banish is such a strong unforgiving word.
But we should banish the phrase: “be that as it may” which is overused and elicits a highly emetic reaction
As with other superfluous pretentious phrases.
Comment from Jannah
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:15 am
You people need something to do with yourselves.
Comment from jan henderikse
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:15 am
what about ” intelligence community ” ? I must admit if you read the New York Times, they are not using those words very often - like green and going green’.
Comment from Armon Ayers
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:17 am
Additional terms to banned:
Change
Real Change
Change We Need
Change You Can Believe IN
Nuanced
Comment from Johnny
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:23 am
What about “Why so serious?” From the Dark Knight, it has become soo overused.
Comment from Rich
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:29 am
How about the phrase: “changed forever” ? If it’s changed, it goes without saying that it is forever. Do they mean: “irreversibly changed” ?
Comment from Joe
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:33 am
DIVERSITY - America has always been a fascinating cultural melting-pot, but this absolute obsession with “diversity”, and the plethora of programs mandated by the corporate and governmental institutions of our great nation have gone overboard, and clearly show that rather than relegating race to the back-burner, and stressing what Dr. King so rightly focused on (the content of one’s character), DIVERSITY has become an absolute OBSESSION with people’s ethnic background and race - so in effect, we are becoming more of a race obsessed society than even before the Jim Crow days. Lunacy of the greatest magnitude. Since when is the cover of a book more important the its contents??
Comment from Larry Rebich
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:36 am
‘You Know’ should be on the list. This is getting so overused it is appalling. If ‘I Know’ then why are you telling me. Please stop.
Comment from bob
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:47 am
giving 110%….or any denomination that is similar…how do you give more than you have to give?
Comment from JC
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:06 am
it figures CHANGE or vote for change wasn’t on the list. obama was the wrong choice. he’s a muslim and u seen what muslims did 911 and everybody forgot about it. look what is going on in isreal right now. mccain should be our president. obama doesnt even believe in god. he won’t stand with isreal. the end is near and nobody cares. people need to read the bible.
Comment from Lisa Russell
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:08 am
‘Preventative’ is not a word, only a silly term made up by health care practitioners to intimidate persons who are suffering illnesses or who would prefer to take necessary steps to stay healthy. How is it that an extra syllable improves health care?
Comment from Jeff
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:15 am
I don’t see a problem with words you are talking about. We do have some Americans like myself with head injuries that overused words keep our thinking on track. So when you say things like this consider others like myself.
Jeff
Comment from David Crabtree
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:20 am
What about words, uh like “Awesome”, “Dawg”, “Whatsup”?
They are oh so 10 years ago. I’d rather be groovin’ in nowheresville than hear them square tags again.
Comment from Kristen Cameron
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:20 am
I am so tired of hearing “no problem”. I was raised to be polite and say “thank you” or “thanks” often; however, people seem to acknowledge me with the words “no problem”. It is insulting. “No” is negative and “problem” is negative. Is it that two negatives equal a positive? If so, that’s a long way around to simply say “THANK-YOU”! Or perhaps it is “no problem” as opposed to it was a problem - to help me, articulated from a store clerk or…..?
Another phase that bugs me is every sentence is preceded with “going ahead”. For example, you can “go ahead” and have a seat, or I will “go ahead” and get you order now. It’s like everyone most get ahead of someone else like we’re racing to the stop light or something.
Comment from Tina D., Homosassa, FL
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:25 am
by in large - I don’t even know, if this spelled correctly. I couldn’t find it in Websters, yet the media uses it again and again.
Comment from cva39
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:28 am
“Failure is not an option” was frequently used by the outgoing administration, especially Condaleeza Rice. By definition, failure is not an option. If the option was achieved it could not be a failure. It should be on some such list.
Comment from mom
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:31 am
I think we all need to “get a life” if this is what’s filling our time!
Comment from Mary
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:31 am
How about we get rid of “Team of Rivals”? I’m a huge Barack Obama supporter and think very highly of historian Doris Goodwin Kearns, but even I’m sick to death of every pompous newscaster who uses this phrase to describe everyone of President Elect Obama’s cabinet appointments!
Comment from Mike
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:32 am
A company saves 1 sheet of paper per year and they suddenly went “GREEN”…….Give me a break!!
Comment from sue thomas (marion oh)
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:39 am
i enjoyed you article about overused and misused words. i know if i thought long and hard i could come up with more but for now i just thank you for listing alot of the words and phrases we are so so sick of hearing. thanks again
Comment from Timothy Singleton
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:39 am
How about we banish the words “liberal” and “progressive” and everything that ever came out of Snoop Dogg’s mouth?
Liberals are far from being so with regards to people having any ability to keep the rewards of the their labor and progressive only has any real application as applied to higher taxes, more inflation, and the singularly greatest growth in the universe…said growth being the growing gap between the nation’s wealthiest LIBERALS and the hard working CONSERVATIVE small business owner who takes it personal when liberals rob from their paychecks in order to buy votes from the poor.
In the spirit of reaching across the aisle, as that DA John “I really don’t want to win ’cause it might offend the my democrat friends” McCain, we can also banish the words Republican as well since it means exactly dick these days.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year,
Tim
Comment from Jeff
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:40 am
Please make the worn out phrase “DOUCHE BAG” go away. It used to be kinda funny.
Comment from Rhonda Johnson
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:42 am
I can’t believe “vetted” didn’t make the list. Talk about overused!
Comment from Bill
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:43 am
What a waste of time yours and mine, I actually thought that this would have made decent reading. Instead of using brain cells to trash other people use them to figure a way to save money on the bailout or to go green. Yes I went there, perhaps that should be added as well.
Comment from firstdude
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:45 am
I think Obama was overused and Hussein was not used enough.
Comment from Earl Kendall
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:51 am
Please add the following phrases or “questions”. I hear them so much, I want to scream. They’ve probably been banned and I don’t know it.
1/ People who say “ya know”? about twice or more every sentence. One should interupt them every time they say it and say “no I don’t know, tell me”.
2/ So many people say “in other words” too much and then explain something much more than they did before. It is a phrase mean to further explain something in brevity and make it succinct, not blather on, you dolt.
3/ People who say “no, no, no ——-” when one no is sufficent. Talk to a child like that, not an adult. I find it VERY offensive.
I wait to hear others.
Thank You EK
Comment from Fitz
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:51 am
Please can you stop:
“Right here, right now”. It’s so overused that variations have appeared:
“Right there, right now”, “Right today, right now”, “Right there, right then” etc, etc.
Comment from Rob
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:54 am
I’d like to know who is responsible for replacing the word “problem/s” with “issue/s”? Seems everyone has “issues” these days!! Talk about over use…
Comment from jim
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:54 am
“going foward” Is there any other direction to go in?
Comment from Tom Byrd
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:57 am
What about “due diligence”? I am still trying to figure out whether it is really better than plain old “diligence,” or if, on the other hand, it is a sneaky way of dodging true diligence, a way of saying “We’ll give this the diligence we think it deserves, and not a bit more. . .”
Comment from William F. Hogg MD
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:02 am
Ban the word ‘absolutely’ and start using a simple ‘yes.’
Stop using ‘issue’ and start referring to a real ‘problem’ again.
Comment from Acoustic Bob
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:03 am
Two suggestions for a future list:
“Different than…” is officially classified as non-standard English, but it is turning up everywhere, even at the highest levels of writing.
“At the end of the day…” used to mean “in the final analysis,” or “ultimately,” is an abomination!
The only proper use of the phrase “at the end of the day” is when one is referring to the end of a day.
I don’t know if you’ve addressed these particular words/phrases already. Is there a comprehensive list?
Comment from Tim Wiley
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:06 am
Indeed, another fine list of words and phrases which deserve banishment. Having said that, I do wish you would have included some which currently rot my mind. That being said, I will have to wait for the total devistation of the words and phrases which annoy only me; the quintessential, if not phenominal, list of all lists…..my list.
Comment from Henry
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:09 am
How could you omit “COOL” ?
Comment from andrea shankman
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:15 am
Great list! I especially appreciate ‘maverick’ since my sister-law is an actual Maverick, descended from the rancher. What about ‘vetted’–I do not believed that I ever heard that word used in past election seasons to the extent that I heard it this year–I am not sure that I even heard it.
Comment from Sam
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:15 am
I wish I had known about this wonderful contest, for I would have submitted the oft mis-used German prefix “über.”
For example, “My math teacher made us memorize like 20 different trig identities for Calc this week. He’s überly lame.”
Just typing that out makes me ill.
Comment from Mary Davis
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:18 am
I despise “went missing.” It should be disappeared or vanished. Missing is not a place you can go.
Comment from MIchael
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:22 am
Lake Superior State University get’s a gold star. My favorite worn out word is, “bailout”. It has been repeated so many times that it has become meaningless. Keep banishing as many of these attempts to paint everyone and everything that happens with the same brush. Maby, “paint with the same brush”, should be on the list! Mike
Comment from eleni
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:22 am
words you forgot…
CHANGE
TRANSCENDENT
TRANSFORMATIONAL
Comment from John B. Echols
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:23 am
I personally hate the interjection of what I call the “tater”. first heard it when a football player was asked what he intended to do when he retired. His answer was ” I plan to do come commentATing on TV. Since thet time I have spotted it in a number of places, and I have become FIXATED on it.
Comment from J Mershon
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:25 am
The over-used and often mis-used term “as well” really bothers me. For some reason people seem to think the term adds sophistication to their verbiage.
Comment from G.Florentine
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:30 am
This is my first time hearing about the completely useful list, and I love it. I would like to see the phrase “or no?” go away forever. It makes me angry when people ask you a question then try to answer it for you with another question! “Are you done with this or no?” Ahhhhh!
Comment from Portia
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:40 am
2007’s List and its comments were far more acerbic. Still, thank you LSSU and all submitters who love American English.
Comment from Kristi Degn
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:41 am
A few more words in relation to politics -
“Across the aisle” or “both sides of the aisle” - they don’t do, quit saying it.
“Change” - heard from both campaigns. Scapegoat word when no specific action is touted…way overused by both camps this election season!
Comment from Harry Mays
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:45 am
Why don’t you people do something “AWESOME” like get an education?
Comment from Howie
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:46 am
Ban the suffix “….athon” ie Toyot..”athon”, sale …”athon”, ban…”athon”, etc, etc… It’s use is now so common and so old that I can’t remember it’s origin! But it’s mindless and perpetual use in advertising is extremely irritating and shows a lack of creativity in our so loved advertising world!
Have a super New Year!
12/31/08
Comment from John Frey
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:46 am
How could you leave out “Tipping Point”??? I think it’s a small area just below the knee on a cow.
Comment from Doctor Zaius
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:47 am
“at the end of the day”
“going forward”
Comment from Tom D.
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:49 am
The word “change” should be added to the list. So overused and so misunderstood. Enough people voted for it, without knowing what it means, to elect the most inexperienced president in history.
Go figure!
Comment from Pam
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:54 am
Please, let’s get rid of “My bad”!!
Comment from Ken Simmonds
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:57 am
The phrase I dislike the most is eg:- ‘John and me’ I cringe not so much when an un-educated person uses it but it’s now being used by people who should know better like Anderson Cooper.
Comment from John
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:59 am
I think one that missed your list shows up on your masthead: “‘redefining’ the classroom.” More things are redifined these days before they are defined. Why not call LSSU a classroom game changer? According to my Google search “game changer” is only 1/10th as overused as “redefining.”
Comment from Paul
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:02 am
“It is what it is”.. Well what the hell is it???? Banished I say..
Comment from Terri Cody
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:09 am
there is an administrator at the hospital i work at who uses the word(?) throughput in all her meetings. i would like to know what that word(?) means exactly. the use of it makes me cringe!! made up names, words, and spelling scream look at/listen to me. their use does not impress me with the user’s creativity. thanks for letting me blow off a little steam!
Comment from Jim Parks
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:11 am
I just can’t ‘get my head around it’. It’s ‘wishful thinking’ that we could ‘return back’ to a time where the written and spoken word meant something. The constant misuse and overuse of ‘bring’ makes my ‘brain ache’. If you bring everything everywhere, how can you take anything anywhere. Happy ‘Ramahanakwanzmas’ and best wishes for the new year! Oh ya…the Weather Channel’s “When Weather Changed History” is a gagger also.
Comment from Jim Johnson
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:11 am
You folks need to concentrate your efforts on more constructive efforts.
Comment from Enerji
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:13 am
You guys seriously need to ‘get a life’….oops - I guess I violated your terms. This is how you spend your time??? You can’t put your efforts to something more important? WOW! It amazes me at just how picky people have become - and now I can even go as far as saying “snobby” to boot.
Some of these “banished” words are incredibly stupid - especially when it’s something positive like”green”. Get real, get over yourselves and put your time and gripes to better use - oh, I dunno, maybe helping out to solve the economy issue, world hunger, child abuse….something!
Comment from Angela Smith
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:15 am
The list is great and very appropriate for the year. However, I would like to present for consideration a word that has perhaps been overlooked. Girlfriend - a word used to refer to a female acquaintance and imply a kinship. It is very annoying to me -kinda like the kiss-kiss thing with no contact —blech !
Comment from Kurt Gerhardt
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:17 am
The words “absolutely” and “exactly” are bankrupt expressions. Can we banish them? Absolutely!
Comment from Lea Holmes
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:18 am
How about “At the end of the day”. I’m tired of hearing it for the past 10 years.
Comment from Chris Shubert
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:25 am
I have several to add: “How about”, ” For starters”, ” Are you kidding me?”, “shut up”, “uh yea”, and last but not least, “jacked”. Living with teenagers that list could be endless!
Comment from Caroline Gangl
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:25 am
Thank you, thank you, thank you for including “iconic.” Its overuse is mind numbing. I’m waiting for the general public to start using it: “Sheeba is the iconic dog seen in most neighborhoods.” Argh!
Comment from Eddie Pabon
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:27 am
I know I’m late for this year but please, PLEASE can you add the word “special” to your list for next year. I know it just means I have to go another year hearing this overused word especially when it comes to sports. Broadcasters and sportswriters alike have taken this word and have overused it to the point where NOTHING is special. If everyone is special then NO ONE is special. Turn on a game here in the states. ANY game, I guarantee you will here the word “special” thrown out to quite a few of the “special” athletes competing. The word has lost all meaning.
Comment from Merle B
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:27 am
“The Nation’s oldest person has died”. How can that be? No one left?
Comment from Karen
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:29 am
let’s ban the work “incorporate” i am so sick of everything being incorporated into …everything!
Comment from Angela
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:29 am
Another word/phrase “Office of the President Elect”. Is there even such an official office?
Comment from Dave
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:32 am
How about the word “SURREAL” it doesn’t mean anything at all!
Comment from Big Monkey
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:32 am
The word “monkey” has been banished? What’s up with that? I’ve carried the nickname in person for over 20 years and online for the last ten. Don’t banish me!
Comment from Greg
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:35 am
How about the word “texted”? For example, I texted him and he never texted me back. I can’t stand when people say this! Are any other words that end in “xted”? There is something grammatically wrong with it. Damn kids and their slang!
Comment from Sal
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:35 am
they should ban the idiots that started this list
Comment from tm
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:37 am
Ths is good. I know the dumbass phrase “Priceless” that was wore out ten years ago has to be in here too. If not can i drop it off the Grand Canyon? So sick of hearing that on those commercials on tv.
Comment from joe
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:37 am
“I know, right?” should be banned as well…
Comment from Carol Jones
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:37 am
Read about your list in our local Kentucky paper - loved it! AND like your use of youtube. So I’m sending you this youtube produced by a CPA and an OB-GYN MD about one of your words .
Comment from David Wurster
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:41 am
Thank you for identifying “not so much” as a useless cliche. It frustrates me to hear it being used by reputable news people and even worse, to hear it from my own children. As a parent, it puts me in the difficult position of feeling the need to point out the obvious grammatical error of “not so much” when so many people feel compelled to say it. Oh well, “it is what it is.”
Comment from Davis
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:42 am
This list is perfect! Every last one of them I hoped would be On it because they get so annoying!
Comment from Tricia
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:43 am
If any word should have made the list it should have been “ISSUES”. Never knew people could have so many “issues”!
Comment from Brandon
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:44 am
This entire list is a violation of my Constitutional right. This entire school has violated the First Amendment. MY First Amendment right. Who cares what people say. Change is not happening over night. No company is “green”. “Staycation” is just a word for poor people to say they have no money to actually GO somewhere when they take vacation from work. “Game changer” is just fuckin stupid because life is not an XBOX. There is no reset button. Maverick is copyrighted by Tom Cruise. Im surprised his wacked out scientologist ass doesnt sue you people. Anyone in the media who has actually used the word “Iconic” and is religious is going to that place they call hell. Thats against one of those things they call commandments. “Desperate Search” is just a another way of saying “We’re assholes and we cant find him but don’t wanna take the blame for it”. If you don’t want people using the “3″ and the carrot symbol, then maybe somebody should make a fuckin computer with a little heart key. Dont get me started in the “Bailout” bullshit. That money would have done more good in the hands of hard working citizens then in the hands of those WALL STREET fatcats. STOP CONFUSING WALL STREET WITH MAIN STREET. If skateboard englinsh isnt english then NEITHER IS EBONICS!!!!!! Stop using something that isn’t real, and makes you sounds like an uneducated moron. Good luck to all the morons in the new year. Lets hope natural selection will take its course on those of you who aren’t intelligent enoughto figure shit out.
Comment from todd
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:45 am
GATE as in any conspiracy now needs to end in ……gate. Such as babyGATE during the presidential election.
BUY INTO….as to agree with someone else’s system or method ..
Comment from Cass
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:47 am
I can’t believe that “it is what it is” didn’t make the list. But then it is what it is. 
:-0
Comment from ginny
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:48 am
the way news casters change how you pronounce the name of cities and countries like Norfolk is NOT pronounced NORF**K. Iraq is NOT pronounced Irock lean how to talk people and all these reality shows hello give me a break will ya
Comment from THOMAS MOHLER
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:50 am
MY GRANDSON”S NAME IS ” M A V E R I C K “!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AN 11 YEAR OLD LITTLE BOY.
YOU IDIOT’S NEED TO COME BACK TO REALITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment from Lori
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:53 am
“That being said…” - - Okay, you’ve said enough already and I don’t need to hear more.
Comment from Dottie Lovell
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:53 am
I’m for Obama, but if I hear “YES WE CAN” one more time I’m going to pull my hair out. I am over it.
Comment from Lori
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:54 am
Another annoying intro to a sentence: “Let me ask you this…” NO! PLEASE DON’T ASK ME!!
Comment from Meloday Waldo
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:05 am
Read some of the letters Civil War soldiers sent to their families. Beautiful words, that express the writers thoughts concisely. Let’s “make a law” prohibiting the use of all cliches. Perhaps the congress, the biggest offender in this area, would actually have to think about what they say, which would eliminate quite a lot of mindless babble in print and on the television.
Comment from Zoey
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:05 am
I would add that the use and misuse of the word “literally” should have made your list. Everyone is saying it and it is hardly ever in the correct context.
Comment from Paul E.Mallon
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:06 am
Can’t think of an addition “Even as we speak”
Best regards,P.Mallon
Comment from Lisa Truchon
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:07 am
Has anyone thought to banish the term “buzzword” or any other marketing term, ie: “target audience”, “cash cow” or any ridiculous word that begins with “k” but should start with “c”, ie: “krispy”. By the way, I wish everyone would stop saying “with John and I”! Object of the preposition, people!!
Comment from Jim Hayes
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:07 am
“YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN or YOU KNOW WHAT I’M SAYING” What is this. I hear it all the time but the person using it hasn’t said anything. Generally , one is left to interpret nothing.???
Comment from dick burton
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:08 am
absolutely
tipping point
Comment from William Walker
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:11 am
The first dude nomination was ridiculous. First Dude was narrowly used by Palin referencing her husband, not overly embraced by everyone, as your list implies. Its inclusion is simply more political ridicule aimed at Palin, for nothing else other than political bias.
Comment from Ginger
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:17 am
“Change.” I’m a bit surprised that the use of a single word helped to create the most powerful political campaign in US history.
It seems people were all too happy to swallow the idea of “change” without actually understanding what this “change” means for Americans.
For the hope of the change of the future of the need for change.
C’mon, it was a bit ridiculous, wasn’t it?
Comment from xan
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:18 am
nice to see what you guys are doing with you higher education!!!!
Comment from Ross Eubanks
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:19 am
What about:
“CHANGE!” - the liberal battle cry of 2008?????
Comment from Jersey Al
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:19 am
AT THE END OF THE DAY, I THINK THIS PHRASE IS USED MORE THAN ALL THE OTHERS COMBINED. AT THE END OF THE DAY I’VE HAD ENOUGH.
Comment from Nick Patterson
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:24 am
“At this point in time” was banished way back in 1976. Why hasn’t anyone put a gun to the head of “at the end of the day”. Managers use this phrase way too ofter. For example, “At the end of the day, we still need to solve our budget crisis.” Well, at the end of the day, I’d like to see this phrase banished on next year’s list. Cheers!
Comment from john
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:29 am
Interesting - they left out the most overused word (at least from the political arena) this year. I thought I was going to puke if I heard the word (or phrase) used anymore.
How about the word “CHANGE” or the phrase “CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN”?
Comment from Fred
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:36 am
While mildly amusing, this looks to be a peevish reaction caused by paying too much attention to commercial news media, the breeding ground of language decay not to mention a poor source of reliable information. Stop watching and it will all go away.
Comment from Steve Reid
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:36 am
I would like to see the word “CLOSURE” re-banished! It is a stupid word that has no place in our language. Also, the word “RHETORIC” should be banished. Rhetoric is defined as the art of speaking or writing effictively. The word has been redefined as meaning grandios or empty talk.
Comment from Michele
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:37 am
How about the word “Change” , although it was never explained what change is or means. Although I hope to keep a much of my change (money) as possible next year.
Comment from Michele
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:41 am
How about the word “Change”. It was used so regularly that I can’t stand to heqar it ever again, especially since it was never explained what change is or means.
Although I hope to keep a much of my change (money) as possible in the upcoming years.
Comment from J. Boyd
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:43 am
My comment involves the comment, “First dude”. This phrase is reflective of our casual societal attitudestoward authority figures. The word -dude- in no way defines a person who is worthy of our respect as a national leader. Personally, Alaska seems to be the safest place for these folks.
Comment from Drunkmonkey
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:54 am
I am responsible for the over use of the word monkey on the Internet. Back in the day as A young gamer I created the legendary gamer tag ” Drunkmonkey” and as you know now, it has been used over and over. Now I am not saying I created the phrase because any scholar should know that the name is of Kung Fu origin. Just so you know I first used that tag name playing World Of War Craft on-line in the mid 90s.
I am the Drunkmonkey in the world of on-line gaming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good day.
Comment from Kristen Bush
Time: December 31, 2008, 10:24 am
“Reinventing the wheel”
I work in a corporate environment where catch-phrases spread like a flu epidemic. Apparently, the more you use them, the more of a “team-player” you are (ick, I can’t stand that one, either). This one was definitely the catch-phrase of the year, and my eyes roll involuntarily every time I hear it.
Comment from Leroy Bright
Time: December 31, 2008, 10:24 am
What’s the POINT of these lists? Is this is just another attempt at “political correctness”? (I hope that term hasn’t been banned yet!) And tantamount to a stripping of our FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS in regard to free speech!
Comment from Lou Gagliardi
Time: December 31, 2008, 10:31 am
“Skateboard English is not an appropriate way to refer to the spouse of a high-ranking public official.”
You’re kidding right?
And honestly, who speaks the Queen’s English, or even English period, in the United States anymore? We speak American, a mixture of all the world’s languages, not just one language. Get with the times.
Comment from Douglas Fletcher
Time: December 31, 2008, 10:33 am
Next year let’s banish “historical linguistics.” Language changes, folks. Get over it.
Comment from Steve White
Time: December 31, 2008, 11:01 am
Ummmm you forgot the real number one phrase which needs to be banished and that of course is: FYI. Way to overused.
Comment from Mary E
Time: December 31, 2008, 11:16 am
You couldn’t think of banishing the ugly obscenities “f**k” and “s**k”???
Comment from Stickler for Grammar
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:07 pm
Next year, there needs to be a new category for nouns incorrectly used as verbs. “Gift” and “text” are the most obvious words to include, but there are countless others.
Comment from Samantha Hart
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:23 pm
Anything to do with Jennifer Anniston and her tragic love loss. We’ve all had our hearts broken - get over it!
Comment from Jon e. Rock
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:31 pm
“Throw up in my mouth a little.” Please ban this one. It’s about as lame as saying “Alrighty then”, or “homey don’t play dat”.
Comment from Nancy Mahnke
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:38 pm
I would like to submit “hunker down” and “dodged the bullet.” Anything in place of those would be better - except for something already on the list.
Comment from ken shaw
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:39 pm
Unprecedented!?
How could you not have included UNPRECEDENTED?
If I could have a penny for every talking head that uttered the word Unprecented my 401K would be up 45% instead of down. (And I know I lost a couple of Hundred Grand!)
The word was banned from polite conversation in my home and I’m actually getting queasy just typing it.
You need to add a 16th word.
Thanks
Comment from Kirsten
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:44 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you. What a necessary, but also fun, list. I’ll look around for submission material in the coming year. Keep up the good work.
Comment from John Heins
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:45 pm
Maybe the school should spend its time giving our politicians and want to be politico’s an English lesson in the Kings English! Time and energy would be better served.
Now I will use my time and energy better today too.
JH
Comment from Palindrome
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:46 pm
VET, or VETTED! How could those not be included? As in, “McCain failed to properly vet Palin.” Sounds like some sort of animal husbandry term. Newsreaders prattling on about “vetting” during the election certainly made this a worthy addition to the list.
Comment from Jazzine
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:47 pm
“Our hearts go out to……”. Oy vey! Such an overly used expression. I think that most cardiologists would agree that it is best to leave your heart where it is. Phoenix, AZ
Comment from Miguel Muñoz
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:50 pm
I must object to the inclusion of “carbon footprint,” a scientific term, with a precise definition, of a potentially measurable quantity. I say “potentially” because it’s not easy to measure, but scientists and economists are working on ways to make it easier. Yes the word has been abused, and we should call for that abuse to stop, but this is a term that should be a part of the public discourse. I first came across the term in the pages of Scientific American, several years ago. Let’s allow scientists and economists the freedom to use their own precise terminology, especially when discussing an issue as important as climate change.
Comment from antieverything
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:54 pm
can someone please ban the phrase ‘at the pump’ - they use this phrase every 5 min. when the price of gas changes. how it affects the consumer ‘at the pump’, what are we going to do when it’s 4$ ‘at the pump’, that really affects the price ‘at the pump’ - seriously, where else can you buy gas? no one I know buys barrels directly from Saudi Arabia, we all know the price is referring to the actual gas pump.
Comment from Tony
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:56 pm
I would love to see “At the end of the day…” put on this list. Not only am I guilty of overusing this phrase but everyone from business people to rappers are using it.
Comment from Val Gar
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:56 pm
MOVING FORWARD - Yea, right. The people who want to take us back to the dark ages are always blabbing about “moving forward”.
Comment from Bill
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:57 pm
Banish the usage of the words “like”, “you know”, and “went” - in the context of “He was like, you know, and then he went like this…”
Comment from Randy Jones
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:00 pm
Some words to banish:
Waterboarding
24/7
Executive priveledge
“You know”
(like)
Signing statements
Comment from RonPaul2008
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:01 pm
You forgot the word “change.” Apparently change is now defined as doing something the same way it was done before, using the same people as before (Obama and the Clinton Presidential Cabinet).
Comment from Anne
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:02 pm
I’m sick of hearing news anchors abuse the term “obviously”! They use it like a verbal crutch. Filler. Fodder. ANNOYING! So OBVIOUSLY, I vote to banish obviously in 2009. I’m also achingly tired of the term “BLOG”! Blah, blah, BLOGGG! Eliminate it. The term “Carbon Footprint” is wearing on my last nerve, too…
Comment from Annoyed White Male
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:03 pm
I agree with them all except “staycation”, I thought it was witty. Surely there’s room in English for humor and creativity. “Not so much” falls into that, but I agree it could be used much less often.
Comment from John Moore
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:08 pm
Dude/Like/Event/ Very Unique as in:
Hey Dude like it like looks dude like a Rain Event dude.
It like may like be followed by like a Sun Event Dude.
And maybe even dude like a night event.
To calculate the degree of dumbness in listening to or
paticipating in a conversation, I often count the
LPM’s (Likes Per Minute) of the speaking party.
And then there is “very Unique”. I always thought something was either unique or not unique. However, may be now there
are degrees of uniqueness as in “Enique”, ‘Euniquer “and
“Euniqueest”
Well Dudes Like that like is all I have like to say Dude.
Comment from Martin Berg, Oak Park, IL
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:10 pm
TO THROW [someone] UNDER THE BUS - I’m surprised that this one didn’t make it under the election year category. I’m quite ready to throw the expression itself under that bus.
Comment from Miles
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:15 pm
Mastermind Calling a terrorist a mastermind, better words for them would be nitwit or crackpot.
Comment from SKonnoff
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:17 pm
The word “major” should be banned. Overused, tortured,and increasing glib, this word abuse is perpetuated, I think, by illiterate “journalists who apparently are too lazy or ignorant or both to turn to a thesaurus to find alternative adjectives for the word “major” like, large, serious, huge,or big, etc,.
Some egregious examples: very major, majorly, mostly major, maxi-major, minorly major, and major major.
Often during the winter here in Sacramento,CA one hears the local weather announcer state ,”the major roads over the Sierras require chains due to major snow fall causing major traffic delays amid this major holiday weekend.”
I wonder at times whether or not this means that the minor roads are open. And furthermore, just how major is major? Is there some guide, some reference as to how or when some event or thing becomes major?
Comment from Jennifer Armstrong
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:22 pm
It’s probably asking too much, but can there be honorable mention to “Good morning?” Not only is it very irritating so early in the day, but we are forced to hear it multiple times.
Comment from Jack Snodgrass
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:25 pm
The fact of the matter is
Comment from Edris A
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:25 pm
Can we also eliminate adding the suffix “ish” to any word before it becomes overused despite its utter uselessness?
Examples are, “family-ish,” “nature-ish,” “stupid-ish,” etc.
Makes me feeling like i’m going insane-ish…
Edris, Oakland, CA
Comment from Layne
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:28 pm
Football commentators only: The word “football”. As in; the tigers offensive football team can really move the football down the football field. In no other sport do commentators feel the need to remind us what sport we are watching.
Comment from Cindy Butts
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:34 pm
How about banning the despicable “scenario” cliche? I don’t know how it got to be so popular but to describe it as such is a profanity.
Comment from doug descombaz
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:38 pm
I think we missed the word transformative. It was a very eloquently chosen word by Colin Powell when he gave his endorsement, but it seems to have been used much more frequently, and much more trivially since.
Comment from Brock
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:43 pm
“Change” is the obvious complement to “Maverick”, and should have made it. I heard way too much of both this year.
I hadn’t heard “First Dude” before.
Comment from Chris
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:44 pm
How about adding name-the-occupation. AKA Bob the builder, Joe the Plummer, etc. Also Mr. Joe Sixpack and Timmy Twelvepack
Comment from Mae Evans
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:48 pm
“Going green” used to mean “to have diarrhea.” My stomach is going green… I’ll be in the bathroom for a while.
Comment from Stephen
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:48 pm
I have an idea: let TMZ, People Magazine, and Billboard continue to handle pop culture, and as a university you all can focus on education.
I know - it’s a pretty crazy theory, but it’s one that I think will work.
Comment from Lynn Barton
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:03 pm
I would like to add my favorite………(if you will).
Comment from Dismas
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:05 pm
How come I’ve never heard of this list before? It’s a great idea!
I never heard of some of the words and phrases that made the list. Guess it’s time to leave my cave. Just waiting for the spring thaws.
Never heard of:
staycation - that’s pretty funny. Taking 2 weeks off to go “nowhere fast”.
2
Comment from Gerry Boardman, Winnetka, CA
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:05 pm
Like - Is used in place of um as a pause for the next thought in conversation. There’s like nothing like wrong with like “um”. Please let us all just gather our thoughts and speak a coherent thought. Oh here’s a great idea, take a few moments think about what to say next. It’s ok, the world will not explode in the next second.
Comment from mike graham
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:11 pm
seriously—no, SERIOUSLY–has to stop!!! if i wasn’t serious when i said it, what would make anybody think i could get more serious!!!!!!
mike graham
manteno, il
Comment from Dan
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:13 pm
“Green”, as a reference to environmentally friendly behavior, has become annoying. “Green” is a color. It’s important to avoid over using language that attempts to act like a metaphor.
“Carbon footprint” ins’t so bad. “Footprint”, while it’s not a latinate/erudite word, is reasonably well understood in context. The concept is, in my opinion, an attempt to honestly describe a concept of environmental responsibility. Whether managing one’s “Carbon Footprint” is the most helpful behavior or not is up for debate. The phrase may be more aptly criticized as imprecise.
I had to look up the work “Maverick” a while back. This word must have been popularized by the Mel Gibson character. It’s definition does not seem precise, so it would be best only to use the word carefully in certain contexts. It’s definitely overused. I guess politicians think we are totally stupid. There may well be some truth to that.
I don’t perceive that “staycation” has been over used. It’s just a cutesy word that someone created. It has a certain humor value because we all know what it means relative to the times we are living in. It’s not a word I’m in danger of using seriously.
“Not so much” is an annoying phrase. It’s one of those phrases that is used idiomatically when we aren’t sure how to better express ourselves. Should we be using this turn of phrase? … not so much.
Comment from Wendy Alexander
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:18 pm
I enjoyed your article. As a owner of an Aveda concept salon whose mission it is to do everything as eco-friendly as possible, I was surprised at the g-word entry. I suppose it has been overused a bit, I would still like to see more of us trying to be earth friendly.
Comment from DD
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:25 pm
There is war on the other side of the world (hundreds of people die every month), our economy is falling apart (meaning we eventually are going to start having death problems as more people is jobless and have to go out to kill for money) and the entire planet is being destroyed by our own hands (AKA “greenhouse effect), and you people are wasting time (and obviously money) on this stupidity? I can’t believe you made it to the news (that is how I found out about your little operation).
I wonder why you people banned the “get a life”… hmmm
Use your brains on something more useful.
Comment from Larry
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:28 pm
I nominate “baby bump”, as in “Angelina Jolie is sporting a baby bump”. For crying out loud, what is wrong with just saying she is pregnant?
Comment from BENBENEK
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:30 pm
“That being said…”
Atrocious and meaningless!
Comment from Linda Craft
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:32 pm
Am I the only person noticing fools saying “basically” in every sentence andsometimes more than once? I banished that word from my vocabulary and even if appropriate I use an alternate word because it makes people sound really stupid. Even supposedly intelligent people such as politicians, doctors, scientists, and journalists repeatedly say this word inappropriately. Even movie and TV scripts have it written in. Stop already!!
Comment from Kirby
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:33 pm
Starting a sentence with the words “As a(n)”. For instance, “As a recovering wiccan tree hugger I object to the verbing of the word green”.
Comment from kay
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:37 pm
Can I add “amazing journey” to the next list. If I hear one more person interviewed say that phrase one more time, I’m going to send them on an amazing journey.
Comment from Erik Swedberg
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:39 pm
I agree with @Miguel Muñoz, we shouldn’t overreact to the large usage of environmental vocabulary so much as to make it uncool. For one thing “carbon footprint” is a scientific term with a very specific meaning, and is used to express a certain idea in shorthand, in the same way that medical scientists use terms like “cardiopulmonary thrombosis”. It is not overused and probably rarely misused - it is just used a lot. The real story here is that in 2007 and 2008, large-scale acceptance and adoption of the conversation about environmentalism has moved from the fringe to mainstream society. This is something we should be happy about.
—
Now if you want a real overused word, try “snark” and all its relatives.
Comment from John
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:40 pm
Phrases: Tragedies, unfortunately, are common in the news. Their seriousness should not be undermined by the fact that the boilerplate phrases “something went terribly wrong”, “makeshift shrine” , “our thoughts and prayers are with…”,”try to make sense of it all” and “healing and closure” always appear when tv and print journalists need filler. Can we retire these and come up with a fresher approach?
Comment from Tommy
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:45 pm
“That being said.” How did they miss that one, I’m so sick of it its retarded.
Comment from Rhonda
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:49 pm
I live in Utah, not by choice, but the phrase “family values” or “family friendly” is used in everything spoken or printed here. I can’t stand it anymore.
Comment from Dee
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:56 pm
What about HOPE and CHANGE? I have nothing against Obama as a person, but I just got sick to death over what sounded like a drugged-out, California dreamin’, hippie psychadelic mantra. We all know that there isn’t a politician alive at the moment who really cares about making our lives any better, much less leaving us completely alone and free to live our lives as WE see fit. Hope and change…more like I HOPE that CHANGE isn’t all I’m going to be left with after all the bailouts are shoved down our throats.
Comment from Louise Wolf
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:56 pm
I am sick of hearing … “At the end of the day”….
Comment from Joyce
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:57 pm
Good job!!! - a phrase that has reached retirement age, along with: My bad:)
Comment from Dominic
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:00 pm
In addition to “it is what it is,” I think “that’s life” or “such is life” need to be added. what do they mean anyway? The way I hear it it means that life sucks and its not worth living. I know better.
And I that “desperate search” was added, like its gonna make us think that by adding “desperate” to “search” they are looking harder.
Comment from BillyBob
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:03 pm
Please add czar to the list
Comment from Dominic
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:07 pm
a meverick is someone who doesnt abide by group rules or beliefs. It is also an unbranded range animal.
I dont think John McCain is either one of those things or he would never have been the republican presidential candidate or he would be on a cattle ranch somewhere waiting for a hot rod to poke his butt.
Comment from Dee
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:08 pm
Another term I’d love to see go away….being politically correct. This phrase does more to turn Americans against each other than any other term I’ve ever heard. I agree that we should strive to be kind and polite to one another, and that it’s just WRONG to be a total jerk to another person, but using “PC” terms to compensate for another person’s obvious lack of upbringing and eliminate that person’s free speech rights is being hypocritical.
Comment from Sarah
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:09 pm
I believe next years list should have the phrase “Latest and Greatest” at the top!! I cannot tolerate when this phrase is used by Corporate Americans trying to be clever!!
Comment from Tom
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:12 pm
I completely agree with including the words “Icon” and “Iconic” as indicated.
I believe many of the times that you hear someone say “icon” he really intends to use the word “idol.
You can idolize someone, but iconizing them really doesn’t mean that much.
Comment from Patricia
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:22 pm
anything 9/11. It has been long enough. Everything gets blamed on 9/11 whether it should be nor not.
Comment from Tyson Blades
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:31 pm
What I want to know is, who vetted this list? And why isn’t “vetted/vetting” on it? Or was it on a past list?
Comment from D Clarke
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:31 pm
To me, the phrases “carbon footprint” & “carbon credits” have to be the DUMBEST of them all !!! It would take a DOPE like al “the tree” gore to make up such a MEANINGLESS PHRASES !!! If the “tree huggers” & the liberal COMMUNIST members of the demoncrat party and their toadies get their way, there will be CARBON COPS all over the country, turning people into the “government” for NOT being CARBON FRIENDLY or CARBON CORRECT !!!!
It seems stupid, but if the “DUMBED DOWN” Americans (dumbed down by the LIBERAL communist media machine) don’t WAKE UP things like that will go on until it CAN NOT be stopped !!!!!! barack HUSSEIN obama is the “perfect example” of a man who wants the GOVERNMENT to RUN EVERYTHING, including YOU !!!
!!!!!!!! WAKE UP AMERICA !!!!!!!!
Comment from Andy Lough
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:34 pm
From the nominations list at the top of the page, To Mr. Matilla (re: the word “Maverick”) and the gentleman whose first name is Ben (re: the word “Bailout”).
See first banned word.
Sorry, one’s from Green Bay and the other’s last name is Green.
As for myself, I’d like never again to hear “I know, right?”. It’s bad enough to hear youngsters saying it but it’s caught on with their parents, too.
Comment from Kathleen Kracht
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:36 pm
How about “like”. As in “like I’m really going to like go to the movies tonight”. And “like” I’ll meet you at “like” the popcorn stand. “Like” I’m really sick of hearing that. Drop it already. It’s “like” very annoying.
Comment from Jamey
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:36 pm
I nominate the following three words or phrases…..
1. SURREAL
Used by everyone from Oprah to those in reality television, this word is getting way too much usage these days. It actually means bizarre or dreamlike.
2. MOVING FORWARD
Often the choice leadership jargon used by politicians, those in professional sports, and anyone dealing with personnel change or scandal.
3. LITERALLY
Generally this is used to overemphasize something. “If you eat my M&M’s I will literally tear your arm off and beat you over the head with it.” Usually if you hear the term literally like this it means that nothing will actually happen, literally.
Comment from Jimco
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:42 pm
I agree that “First Dude” is juvenile, but point out that the name was chosen by the Dude himself.
Comment from Ron
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:44 pm
You know, Who really cares? Word use, like and dislike are a matter of preference. Get over yourselves. If you like it, use it. If you don’t like it, don’t use it and find something a bit more noble to waste university resources on. Like, After we “bailout” the automakers, what can we do to make them “green” and offset their “carbon footprint” the “maverick” and the “first dude” have no clue so it could be a real “game changer” right here on “main street” if one of you smart”monkeys” can figure it out. I mean, totally “iconic”. You might even be “nominated” to win a “staycation” It’s “that time of year again” you know. Think about it, is this garbage really noteworthy? “not so much” It really reminds me of a “desperate search” situation.
Comment from Jim
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:53 pm
“At the end of the day” This has to be be the worst and most over used in 2008. Am I the only one to notice?
Jim
Comment from Bob T Guy
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:55 pm
Hope, Change, Obama… The three most overused and meaningless words of the year.
Comment from Rick Calvert
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:57 pm
I get tired of ads that say “people JUST LIKE YOU”. I’ve never met anyone like anybody else, including (or especially) like me. That phrase needs to be put down for next year.
And how about “I’m all”. “So Tammy says ‘you’re boyfriend’s really lame’ and I’m all ‘get a life, Tammy’”.
Comment from Lydia
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:59 pm
The phrase that grates on my nerves more than anything is, “come up with.” It is now being perpetuated in textbooks and in journalism. It is SO STUPID and IGNORANT!
Whatever happened to better, multi-syllabic words, such as invent, propose, develop, create, find, formulate, devise, construct, implement, collaborate on, brainstorm, one’s ideas.
Comment from Bob T Guy
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:00 pm
The next guy that says he gave or they gave “110%” … Ooooooh, it just drives me nuts. If you run you engine, turbine, gyro, or anything else at a hundred and ten percent it’s gonna blow up you goofy people. Plus, it is impossible for a person to give 110% of their available effort in any case.
And that’s my 103%.
Comment from Danny
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:02 pm
The word ABSOLUTELY should be on the list. People can’t seem to say the word yes any longer.
Comment from Lucy
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:04 pm
Get rid of the phrase ‘gone missing’ or ‘went missing’. Nobody ‘goes’ missing. They disappear. Pure and simple.
Comment from Tim
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:04 pm
Let us add MY BAD, I have heard it overused as a phrase for lies, excuses, mistakes, laziness, etc..
Comment from B.G.
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:05 pm
Okay college punks, first of all hipness and all the uber-cultural crap aside, “green” should NEVER be passe’. Back in late ‘89 or early 90’s there was a big evvironmental fade brought on by Hollywood (as in the early 70’s). While those fads (like all fads) became nauseating, the net benefit was huge after they finally faded; which is why most communities now have citywide recycling programs that we all must abide by (unlike the periods preceding those trends).
Besides, you’re a bunch of college punks and you are the least qualified to say what words have or phrases have “jumped the shark” (a phrase which has nuked the fridge). I agree that these are as cold as any Paris Hilton catch phrase, but they are all played out (which is now an oxymoron) nonetheless.
On the other hand, because you are a bunch of college punks, your fresh perspective and burgeoning intellectual prowess cleanses the cultural canvas and keeps our challenged socio-political infrastructure from collapsing on us old farts. So thanks for the reminders and here are a few I would like to add to the list:
“Hot” or “… so hot”
(do we really need anymore reminders of the possibility of global warming)
“Change” for “change” because of the need for “change”
(a change would be welcome here)
Baby Bump
(oh wait, that jumped the shark last year)
Junk
(please, too much junk is never a good thing- nor is Kim Kardassian)
Sick
(I’m getting sick of this one already)
Game on
(come on already)
Actually, this list could get ridiculous, just like all of the LA wannabe’s that will do or say anything to try to appear hip or cool or hot or with-it or whtever. They all should be eighty-sixed!
Comment from Rick Calvert
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:09 pm
I looked over some of the other lists, maybe I missed it, but what about _______-gate? Watergate, Iran Contra-Gate, Trooper-gate? How about don’t-let-the-gate-hit-you-in-the-a**-on-your-way-out-gate?
Comment from Someone Somewhere
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:15 pm
The amount of people infuriated by this list frightens me. For goodness’ sake, do you have to take everything completely seriously? Do you really think these words will be “banished”? Sigh. This list is here to poke fun at (as it says) misused, over-used, and generally useless words. No one’s taking away any first amendment rights or doing anything to prevent people from saying these things.
We don’t speak “American” here in the US, either. It’s English. Mexican Spanish has differences from the Spanish spoken in Spain (yay, alliteration), but no one calls it “Mexican.” We speak English, not “American.” Slang is slang anywhere. If someone said “staycation” in Australia, it wouldn’t suddenly become “Australian.” It’s just slang. Heck, if pronunciation and slang differences make a whole new language, Texan is a language. And New Yorkian. And Illinoisan. And Minnesotan. I think that proves the point.
Also: Maverick is a bad name for a kid. Poor little Maverick.
And I laugh at the people telling college students to “get an education.” What the hell do you think they’re doing at Lake Superior State University? Do you think custodians compiled this list?
For what it’s worth (yes, I did that on purpose), all of these words and phrases are frivolous and irksome, and there would certainly not be a breakdown in the English/American/Texan language if they were to disappear. It’s not going to happen, but it’s fun to dream.
Comment from Jerry
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:23 pm
“Based on a true story” So much is wrong with this. What part of your book/movie is the “story” based on, if it is a story how do you know it’s true? When the characters are speaking behind closed doors and no tape recorder is running, how do you know what was said? I’d heard a movie promoted as “based on an untold true story.” I’m still picking up peices of my brain.
Comment from Jonathan Schindler
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:24 pm
I suppose it’s too late for 2009, but I’m tired of “I know, right?” Why say “I know” if immediately afterward you seek confirmation from someone else? It makes no sense.
Comment from Lisa
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:25 pm
“Historic” “Historical” - totally used incorrectly, and over-used that way! People lately are discussing and planning for this or that upcomming “historic” event. As of this writing, Obama’s inauguration is going to be a “historic” one……
And I had previously been under the impression that anything “historic” was something that had already taken place at some time in the past!
Comment from David John Blake
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:37 pm
I am so tired of hearing, “That’s tore up from the floor up”! As Tina Turner once sung, “We Don’t Need Another Hero”, we don’t need another Juno referance. What does tore up from the floor up mean anyway? Is that some kind of carpenter term?
Comment from Ridge Runner
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:53 pm
I didn’t read all the comments so I don’t know if this has been said before. But I nominate “cougar”. Can’t we just go back to calling them desperate, horny older women?
Comment from Lou
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:05 pm
Sometime in the year 2000, “people” began to vanish - they became “folks”. George W Bush perhaps hastened this into common usage when he referred to the 9/11 terrorists as “those folks”. Now, news “people” and weather “people” employ the term “folks” almost exclusively.The only time American people are “people” is during election periods when the candidates always manage to inject some vote winning (they hope) speech including the term “The American people are not stupid”. Recognizng that the terms “folks” and “people” currently have essentially the same meaning, years ago, “folks” was generally used in addressing famlily, close friends, etc., and was considered less formal and stilted than “people”.
Another one that bugs me is that most pleasant things in life are no longer referred to as “fun” or “such fun”. These occasions are now commonly referred to as “so fun”. Fun is being used as as a noun and should not be modified by the adverb (so).
Comment from Rinske
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:17 pm
“Begging the question” is increasingly misused, especially by CNBC television journalists, with the intended meaning “leading to the (new or subsequent) question of….” “Begging the question” is a narrow technical jargon phrase from the science of logic, meaning “to assume the truth of an implicit premise.”
Comment from Rinske
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:19 pm
Please review junior high grammar lessons dealing with present, past, and participle forms of verbs. Then avoid “snuck” as a past tense for “to sneak,” and “shrunk” as a past tense for “shrink” (as in “Honey, I shrunk the kids”). It’s “sneaked” and “shrank,” whether we like it or not.
Comment from David
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:38 pm
When are we going to banish the prase, “Here’s a guy…” or “This is a guy…” I guess it is what it is. Wait, i hate that one too!!! of course it is what it is, everything is what it is, there is no other way it can be!!!
Comment from jim
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:45 pm
I never read or write into these columns of comments. But that “it is what it is” description has driven me to it. Thanks for providing me this forum.
Happy 2010 folks!
Comment from Kelly
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:50 pm
Add to the banish list the phases:
“The question is?”
“The better question is?”
“The real question is?”
When a person responses to you with the above and it takes them more than a sentence to ask the question; is it a question?
Comment from Carol Thomas
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:10 pm
Thank you for every word and phrase on this year’s list. It is wonderful to know that others are irritated with the trite, over-used and meaningless. Keep up the good work and congratulations on attempting to sustain the English language!
Comment from Stephani
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:19 pm
STOP THE PRESSES, it isn’t December 31, just yet. I just found out about this list last night. I have some words I think many will agree with that need removing, with some amount of ungency.
I shall save some for next year, however there are some that I feel can not wait and some that MUST be nipped in the bud. I believe I already requested ‘dis’ as a prefix to respect and an unspeakable amount of other words to which it has no business preceding, ‘DIS’ has over stayed its welcome on the lips of Americans, with put a clue. So I implore you LSSU, disengage the prefix ‘dis’ from the American vocabulary and all of it’s unauthorized uses. While we are at it completely remove disrespect and all of the grammatically incorrect forms it is uttered in, such as ‘disrespecting…..’
‘Hot’ and ‘Paris Hilton’ one swift move and we no longer have to hear of her……??
Finally the word of urgency today, I shudder to think of the upcoming use of this verbal horror.
‘BROMANCE’ — Need I say more? Nip it in the bud.!!! Cancel this word faster than, the networks showing that Jenner kids stupid show.
While we are at it…….BFF… I want to smack the next person on t.v. holding a microphone, that uses that term.
If you can not see the urgency in some of these words being removed, I shall keep them for next year, but be prepared to hear more of BFF & BROMANCE. Can your ears take it?
Comment from Kelly
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:21 pm
grind”age”
gift”age”
puke”age”
tip”age”
foam”age”
etc.
Comment from Gretchen
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:27 pm
I would like “you see what I’m saying” gone….no I can’t see what you are saying.
Comment from Mike
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:35 pm
This is fun. I love it. Getting a chance to vent on today’s inane use of language does me good. Of course no one is really going to banish anything. It’s all in jest. To those “haters” (my submission) who say it is a waste: do you feel the same about mindless hours of TV or Nintendo? Couldn’t that time also be spent more contructively, like some have said, solving the county’s economic problems or world hunger?
Comment from Charley Quatro
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:37 pm
“I will disappear you!”
WHAT? Can’t people get their appearance to appear apparent?
Comment from Stephani
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:40 pm
Lee who is sick of as well as, I am as well, but the reason people no longer use too is because the can not figure out which one to use, two, to or too. That is far to many homonyms to decipher.
And there is a biggie that I forgot, forgive me folks, I just heard of this list last night.
‘CONVERSATE’ What happened, did you ban the word talk last year??? The next person I catch ‘CONVERSATING’ should get their tongue cut out so they can never ‘CONVERSATE’ again.
Nice ‘CONVERSATING’ with you, Happy New Year.
Comment from Foxtrot Sierra
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:53 pm
Irregardless. What does that mean? Regardless of what people might think, I also despise the phrase, “I heard that”. Let’s start thinking outside the box…oh, wait; I can’t stand that either!
Comment from Dan from North Port, FL
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:20 pm
“It is what it is”—Getting lazy in a description of something. It used to be fun to hear a person’s opinion of what “It” is. Now there are so many opinions available you can get away with saying “It is what it is.” I just remember who said it and wonder how they ever got to be in front of a microphone.
Comment from Tracy
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:24 pm
I appreciate you finally putting “Go Green” or “Green” on your banned lists. All Americans need to be “environmentally friendly” (hate this phrase too), but enough is enough. The gentleman who founded the weather station sued Al Gore or was planning on suing him for the numerous lies and myths he continues to promote. It has made him a fortune, and he won the Noble Peace Prize. What a crock. I found most of your very appropriate; however, it seems biased in the sense that many of the words, prhases, etc…came from Republican or conservative politicans. I totally agree with Mavrick, but “first dude and Joe the Plummer” were used for a very short period of time. Joe the Plummer represents a very important concept - that is socialism-communism. Joe W. did not ask to be put in the spot light, and millions of Americans could identify with him. “Change” is the one word that that should be abandoned. I keep asking, “Change What and How?” Unforunately, I never get an answer to these questions. Good Job with the banned words and phrases. Have you ever thought of making a list of words or phrases that held or hold a true meaning and purpose, as well as English word or prhases that have returned to the original meaning and use?
Comment from Stewart Winslow
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:25 pm
Change “Progressive, liberal and socialist” to what it really is-
Communism.
“Plane and Simple” or “Plain and Simple”? Either way we are in for a “Barakracy in Amerika”. Too bad for us and the rest of the world.
We all lose with that sort of communal planning. It never worked and never will.
Comment from John Hedblom
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:56 pm
“One of the only” makes me nauseous. Some thing is either the only or it is not.
“Dishes” rather than talks about something or someone. What do dishes have to do with the conversation? Could the bozo be trying to use the old black ghetto phrase “disses”, meaning to speak disparagingly of someone?
Comment from Merrywether
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:06 pm
A pretty decent list, but what about some phases from the common vernacular?
“Random”- it was on the 2008 list, but when used so frequently, to me, it sounds like the person just wants to avoid things.
I agree with the banning of “ish” “you know” and “like”
Hmm.. I can only agree with past events for now, but alot of the vernacular nowadays needs to be refined.
Comment from LittleRedHenSez
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:09 pm
Are you wearing a ‘tin foil hat’? Are you ‘off your meds’? I spend too much time reading comments to articles, comments to blogs, especially political ones, but those two phrases should be on someone’s ‘hit list’ and ‘I don’t mean that in a good way.’ There sure are some cranky people on this Comments section. If this was such a waste of your time, why did you waste some more of it writing a comment?
Comment from Me hates you, too
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:12 pm
HATES YOU,
That’s the funniest rant I’ve read in a long time! Thanks for taking the trouble to tell everyone here to DIE! ROTFLMAO!
This kind of discussion just isn’t SUSTAINABLE! OH hAhAhAAhAhAahahaha ha! Ha. Ha. ha. HAH!
One great way to debase debate is to coarsen and stupefy everything. So fuck everybody, Hitler this, Antichirst that, war criminal, Sir, this, and war criminal that, and have nothing left when those terms are really needed, OK?
Bleed from your eyeballs and use the whole rhetorical runway! Enjoy, nutballs!
Comment from Billy Jack movie scriptwriter
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:22 pm
“you know”. Caroline Kennedy, you know, is so, you know, ready to be a US senator for, you know, the state of New York, you know, because she, you know, has the DNA that entitles her to govern and legislate, you know. It’s, you know, a matter of noblesse oblige, you know, as Uncle Bobby, you know, said it. Except, you know, that a personality cult has only so much, you know, room for hangers-on, you know.
Comment from Bill R.
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:32 pm
“sustainable” or “not sustainable”. We can’t pronounce anything right or wrong anymore. That would be judgmental. So we use ‘inappropriate’. As if for some things that are flat-out wrong, there might just be an ‘appropriate’ time or circumstance for inflicting these actions on others. So it is with, ’sustainable’ or, “not sustainable”. Mincing, non-judgmental ways of pronouncing something as wrong. Oh, you can DO that, but it’s not SUSTAINABLE over the long term. We don’t mean to JUDGE what you’re doing; we’re just here to DISMISS it. How precious. Grow some cojones and say what you mean.
Comment from Leapfrog Meyers
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:36 pm
“Scary”. If you just dislike something, ratchet it up to ’scary’.
Comment from P. Poe
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:42 pm
Why have we not yet lost “at this point in time”? Didn’t that start with Watergate in the 1970’s?
Comment from P. Poe
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:45 pm
Let’s add “breaking news” to the list, especially when it’s been “breaking news” for several days.
Comment from Bud Kerraylin
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:46 pm
“investment” used as a euphemism for, “government spending”.
Comment from NYlady
Time: December 31, 2008, 10:02 pm
1. Are you kidding me?
2. Are you freaking kidding me?
3. Shut up! SHUT! UP!
4. You know what I mean?
5. Joe the Plumber
6. Don’t cha know.
7. Dude
And could we PLEASE ban air quotes while we’re at it?
Comment from NYlady
Time: December 31, 2008, 10:04 pm
I forgot to add Speidi or any celeb or semi-celeb couple who has their names swished together.
Brangelina
Bennifer
yuck
Comment from Diane
Time: December 31, 2008, 10:07 pm
TRANSPARENCY must go, is that “clear”?
Comment from Chuck L.
Time: December 31, 2008, 10:16 pm
“inappropriate(ly)”. Usually it’s a coward’s way of saying, ‘incorrectly’, ‘improperly’, or, ‘wrongly’. Usually there’s no appropriate time, place or forum for the action, speech, or policy in question, according to those using ‘appropriate’ or, ‘inappropriate’. It’s a matter of linguistic cowardice.
Comment from Cory Cross
Time: December 31, 2008, 10:32 pm
Individuals in the media who use “hip hop English” while reporting the news. Here is a sample of some words / phrases in question…
old school
in the house
pimped out
dissed
Would someone remind the people working in North American media outlets (in the U.S. and Canada) that they are NOT street toughs!
Comment from Rose
Time: December 31, 2008, 11:00 pm
I can’t believe that this phrase is said by “everyone” Oh, what’s funny, that’s funny, it’s funny because, and on and on it goes. Hello, it’s not funny! Just start your conversation without saying it’s funny because.
Another one I find studpit, it was said by a anchor on a cable channel, “He or She has some BALLS! Why does a man’s part make it important to someone having judgement? Instead of What spine, what backbone, what courage? God forid it’s all about men’s balls. I’ve never heard a man say, “Oh, he or she has some vagina.
Comment from Jim
Time: December 31, 2008, 11:53 pm
I like the list. The dictionary is a big book, and it really does pay to increase one’s vocabulary.
Having said that, I’d agree with “reinventing the wheel” being added to the list. Still overused are “kudos” and “basically” - which basically don’t mean a thing these days. Another phrase I’m tired of is “koolaid drinker”… and if one more person starts their speech with “So…” I’m going to pop them in the kisser!
Comment from Fred
Time: January 1, 2009, 1:17 am
If I hear the word “inappropriate” one more time I’m going to scream.
Comment from Bob G
Time: January 1, 2009, 1:18 am
“He’s someone who…”, “He’s somebody who…”.
“He loves swimming”, not “He’s someone who loves swimming”.
Comment from Tom
Time: January 1, 2009, 2:03 am
Relax people. No one is remotely suggesting legistation that any word or phrase be banished from our culture. The study/survey simply exposes our limited vocabulary; and, reinforces the term “the dumbing down of America”.
Comment from Biggry
Time: January 1, 2009, 3:22 am
I wish every one in the news and government would give the word “fundimental” a break. Every time I hear someone talking about the economy or politics “fundimental” is tossed into a sentence. I’m sorry but using this word does not make the speaker seem more informed on the topic.
Comment from Mary
Time: January 1, 2009, 4:07 am
Change means change - get over it, Jeff. First Dude is just goofy. Maverick was so overused inappropriately that it became goofy. My only objection to your list is
Comment from rob
Time: January 1, 2009, 6:11 am
They should have ban the phrase “yes we can”
Comment from Tom Adams
Time: January 1, 2009, 6:44 am
Monkey? I’d like to see some examples because I don’t think I’ve come across it before. I tried searching for monkey and *-monkey (which wasn’t useful as Google conflates non-alphanumerics), but to no avail (thanks, Rogier Landman).
Comment from Kevin
Time: January 1, 2009, 7:19 am
add ” at the end of the day” thanks
Comment from Carl
Time: January 1, 2009, 8:01 am
Our diplomats, and many in other nations, are guilty of using the words “world community” to the point of absurdity. Condi Rice is especially guilty, but she means well, of course. The simple word “world” should be resurrected.
Comment from Ramesh Raghuvanshi
Time: January 1, 2009, 9:21 am
There is no need of university to banish the word over used by people. If you observer carefully people themselves banishing them in their conversation. Who are coining words?
All over world in all languages people are regularly coining new word at the same time they are banishing over used word from their conversation.
Witers are picking up new word from people`s conversation,Iam writer so know how new word is so powerful.Most important place is people`s conversation they coning new word and banishing over used word.
Comment from Bill Cook
Time: January 1, 2009, 9:38 am
I’LL TELL YOU WHAT. Usually uttered by sportcasters to warn us that something profound is about to be said.
I’m already listening buddy….do you think I am able to listen more intently?
Just: tell me what (without the precursor)
Comment from cindy
Time: January 1, 2009, 9:59 am
C H A N G E!!! If I hear that word one more time .aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh….or yes we can….
Comment from Ian
Time: January 1, 2009, 10:05 am
Corporate Welfare or Bailout. The mean the same thing.
Comment from John S.
Time: January 1, 2009, 10:18 am
“Bellwether” used during early campaigning.
“…do you think this is a bellwether…..?’
“Yes, I think it is a bellwether…”
“In the past, people saw Florida as a bellwether…” ad nauseum..
Comment from Frank Ramirez
Time: January 1, 2009, 10:21 am
Maybe a little late in the game to add this — but I object to talking heads, especially sportswriters, using the phrase “Drink the Kool-Aid.” The phrase of course refers to the garish and nightmarish deaths of hundreds in the Guyana tragedy, yet it is used to describe athletes who buy into the system brought in by a coach, or party stalwarts who toe the line. This is more than hyperbole. It is bad taste.
Comment from David
Time: January 1, 2009, 10:24 am
We have to burn the phrases “…know what I’m sayin’?'” and it’s moronic cousin “…see I sayin’?” If a person was speaking clearly they shouldn’t have to ask that question. Also let’s not answer questions by sounding like you are questioning the answers. That little trick of raising your voice at the end of your sentence was cute…when you were 9 years old. Not so cute in your teens, 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Ex: Reporter: “So how did you know the victim?” Interviewee: “We were neighbors? For about twelve years? I used see them get the paper in the morning? I thing he was married?”
Comment from Slobodan Dimitrov
Time: January 1, 2009, 10:28 am
How about banishing the term “Queen’s English”? We do live in a federal republic!
Calling it “Federal English” makes much more sense. Those folks which are, or were, royalist from the days of the Revolutionary War are now called Canadians. Now, they might be more appropriately inclined to use “Queen’s English’ in their lexicon, certainly not us.
Comment from James Bailey
Time: January 1, 2009, 10:36 am
How about paradigm, seachange, by the same token, like . . ., crank it up, hey man, and the ever popular have a nice day.
Comment from JLM, Oro Valley, AZ
Time: January 1, 2009, 10:38 am
Please add a most meretricous category to include bipartisan, bipartisanship, and especially bipartisan compromise.
Comment from guy
Time: January 1, 2009, 10:53 am
I’m tired of people saying “look” before every comment. “Look” has to be the most used, unnecessary word in television broadcasting.
Comment from Zabaduba
Time: January 1, 2009, 11:16 am
I would dearly love to see the end of the phrase, “I know, right?” as a confirmation of something I just said.
“It is freezing in here!” “I know, right?”
“We have a lot to do today.” “I know, right?”
I originally thought it might just be a regional thing, but I’ve heard it in three different states now. Maybe it’s following me…
Comment from Jean Welbly
Time: January 1, 2009, 11:32 am
What about swear words. There is one work in particular that I hear from sooooooooooooo many people. Like it is just another word. It sounds so uninteligent to say it and yet I am afraid to even write it here. It begins with and F and ends with a k. It seems that some can’t even say one sentence without that word which just amazes me. It is probably the most overused word ever.
Comment from Faldone
Time: January 1, 2009, 11:37 am
I’m sure glad this list of popular peeves only applies to the Queen’s English. That way the speakers of that tiny minority dialect of English can safely ignore it as the product of a bunch of rude colonials and those of us who speak good ole Muricun can go on permanently adopting any of these phrases that are valuable additions to the language and wear the others out at our own leisurely pace.
Comment from JT
Time: January 1, 2009, 11:39 am
Mine is inverse: I’d ban bitching about the use of “Green” to depict environmentally friendly, which is another cliche in itself. (Do you shake hands with the environment? Do you wash your hands immediately afterward, as the environment would like to do?) Unless you’ve got a better suggestion, a more concise way to express the concept, (which someone would subsequently gripe about here next year,) STFU.
Now that’s an expression we could probably do without (STFU).
Comment from Joe Carnazzo
Time: January 1, 2009, 12:25 pm
Washinton-types punctuating everything they say with “Look”.
Comment from Foxtrot Sierra
Time: January 1, 2009, 12:25 pm
Oh, and I almost forgot the phrase, “that’s so addicting”. Eg: Green chocolate is my favorite candy; it’s so addicting!
People that use the word “ergo” kind of bug me too.
“Shut up” as in “I finally got a date with Al Gore. I want him to tell me all about Global Warming/Climate Change” Reply, “Shut up! Oh no you didn’t!”
Comment from larry
Time: January 1, 2009, 1:00 pm
Stop: the “global warming” and “climate change” overuse and “bad science” which is an oxymoron. I am eternally sick of the misuse of “further”= more, additional, or greater and “farther”= distance/literally or figuratively (even people with a so called Phds. screw this one up).
Comment from toad
Time: January 1, 2009, 1:01 pm
only folks who have nothing better to do come up with this garbage, yet I allowed myself to read this garbage. Oh well, lifes like that sometimes!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment from Tammy
Time: January 1, 2009, 1:13 pm
The word GREEN to me is cool because it is so new and I like the TV show Greensburg.
Now a saying that I want banished is This isn’t your grandmothers _______.Things change and I don’t need to be reminded that they are not the same. as even 10 years ago!
Comment from Gary
Time: January 1, 2009, 1:23 pm
Two overworked phrases:
1. Going forward
2. Oh My God
How about people, especially media types, using ‘that’ in a sentence when they should say ‘the’ I think they don’t want to pronounce ‘the’ as ‘tha’, which is correct when used before a word beginning with a consonant, because it might make them sound like a hick.
Comment from MGBYG
Time: January 1, 2009, 1:55 pm
“Also” and “Charlie”…watch any Sarah ‘WhiteTrashGov’ Palin interviews.
To all those pathetic folks who came on this site to rant that this list is against some perceived right: Go back to listening to Rush Limpballs and leave the snark to educated folks, because you just used your right to try and stifle those whom gathered this list. Fools.
Comment from Konrad
Time: January 1, 2009, 2:02 pm
SERIOUSLY…REALLY - also two words that should be outlawed, thanks Grey’s Anatomy for these.
Comment from Alex Pavlenko
Time: January 1, 2009, 2:32 pm
What about the word ‘resinate’. It was spawned somewhere and almost immediately was embraced by all those who wish to be perceived as ’smartspeak’, particularly in the political arena. Fortunately, like the past phase phrase, ‘at this point in time’ the term (mercifully for all of us) died out quickly. You’ll also notice that when a word or phrase has ended its reign, it is viewed by the smartspeak crowd like last years dowdy shoes and so avoided.
Comment from Joe :)
Time: January 1, 2009, 2:35 pm
Add protectionism/protectionist to the list asap!!!! What kind of neo-con came up with this one!!!! Our nation was founded on, and built by, American industry protected from low cost foreign imports. The EU tariffs foreign made goods as do most nations, we outsource jobs and toss Americans on the street for corporate profits and CEO’s who then beg for bailouts. Keep American industries and jobs in America!!!!!
Comment from Blitzwing
Time: January 1, 2009, 3:05 pm
This will only alienate kids from seaking proper English, people have speech form likes that are unique to them. Additionally,, a teacher could have taught them said likes; as a way to help them do better in Engish classes.
Also, many parents teach their kid .’obselete’. slang, to give them alternatives to constant profanity; I personally find this to be an admirable parenting method.
Let both this list and this college both fade away into nothingness
Comment from richard kukowski
Time: January 1, 2009, 3:39 pm
It’s unbelieveable how often I hear the word
unbelieveable. How about substituting incredible
once in a while? Almost as compelling and a lot
more credible.
Comment from Todd Adamson
Time: January 1, 2009, 3:44 pm
Lists like this can be fun and funny. This particular one, not so much. You should have undertaken a desperate search for some better words to banish. First, dude, the
Comment from Bob Seeley
Time: January 1, 2009, 3:50 pm
Less and fewer. I see RED every time I hear someone misuse these words. ‘Less’ has got to be at the top of the most misused words list.
Comment from Brad
Time: January 1, 2009, 3:56 pm
I would like to nominate the word “change”. Politicians, voters and media pundits have over hyped this word. Change from what? Doing what you were elected to do. Then when they do win all you hear is it is “business as usual.” How about instead of allowing them to say “change” we pass a law requiring politicians to say “get-er-done.”
Comment from Taffy
Time: January 1, 2009, 4:07 pm
If I see one more women’s magazine substitute “va-jay-jay” for vagina, I’m going to go apeshit on somebody. And while I’m at it, stop saying “vacay”! The word is vacation! Aaaaaaa!
Comment from Bob
Time: January 1, 2009, 4:40 pm
Here is another classic phrase “Get a Life!” that should be banned
too! This phrase commonly used on most message boards across
the internet. I am surprised nobody had even mentioned that.
Comment from Jason
Time: January 1, 2009, 4:51 pm
Don’t for get to ban “Global Warming!” Its a freaking cycle!
Bet you can not tell Al Gore that. lol!
Comment from Mathew Snyder
Time: January 1, 2009, 5:48 pm
I keep missing the nomination process. I’ve grown so tired of hearing about shows that have some variation of “a twist” that I’m beyond the humorous aspect of this list. I really do want to shoot the next person that says it on tv.
Comment from Carol Schave
Time: January 1, 2009, 6:17 pm
another banned phrase should be “free gift” Isn’t a gift by its very nature, free?
Comment from Cris
Time: January 1, 2009, 6:29 pm
Another phrase I get tired of “Well I guess it wasn’t meant to be”
Also “blog” is so overly used!
“Get a life!” is so overly used is about to drive me insane.
Comment from DMutz
Time: January 1, 2009, 6:50 pm
I agree with DD:
Comment from DD
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:25 pm
There is war on the other side of the world (hundreds of people die every month), our economy is falling apart (meaning we eventually are going to start having death problems as more people is jobless and have to go out to kill for money) and the entire planet is being destroyed by our own hands (AKA “greenhouse effect), and you people are wasting time (and obviously money) on this stupidity? I can’t believe you made it to the news (that is how I found out about your little operation).
I wonder why you people banned the “get a life”… hmmm
Use your brains on something more useful.
Comment from Abby Thompson
Time: January 1, 2009, 7:47 pm
I’m suprised “current economic situation” didn’t make. Whenever they interveiw someone on the news about the economy they also use that phrase. I hate the “winner of five nominations” thing too.
Comment from jennifer Cote
Time: January 1, 2009, 8:07 pm
“its that time of year again” its always, “that time of year again” so we should just stop using it, it never goes away so stop reminding me.
“Green” im all for the whole “going green thing” but when it starts showing up on tv and its gettin into mainstream media and all that. we have to stop. If your saying your “going green” show me dont tell me. showing your accually driving a hybrid car and telling me you have one is 2 different things.
my nominations…
“baby Bump” this phrase and collection of 2 words is very annoying, Just say she looks pregnant. Same concept! I have a pet peeve for words and that is one of them
“comeback” what is this 2 words put into one describing a celebrity’s proper return in the spot like
example~ “britney has made a incredible comeback”
what is that, britney has even said it her self its not a “comeback” if you have been in the light the whole time!
“hes my puffin” this phrase is only cute when holly from the Girls Next Door saids it. Not people i know refering to thier Boyfriends
Comment from Stephen
Time: January 1, 2009, 8:22 pm
Get rid of Diversity… it has become empty and polluted
Comment from Rigo Rangel
Time: January 1, 2009, 9:49 pm
Why is the work “like” not included? It is the most overused word in the history of any language! We have got to put a stop on the rise of this word as an arbitrary interjection into any sentence!
Comment from MGP2
Time: January 1, 2009, 9:54 pm
“…has been drinking the kool-aid.” Anytime someone believes in something that someone else doesn’t, they’ve been drinking the kool-aid. By the way, too much Kool-Aid is bad for your teeth.
Comment from Ben Ostrowsky
Time: January 1, 2009, 10:20 pm
Vacation does involve travel, even if it’s short-range. You must vacate your home for a while. Otherwise it’s just a week off.
Comment from Asshole By Definition
Time: January 1, 2009, 11:19 pm
ARE YOU HAVING FUN YET, words that are said at the wrong
time well working in a busy or aggrevated setting
Comment from Craig
Time: January 1, 2009, 11:55 pm
“Viral” deserves to be on the list — by FAR one of the most overused and misused words on the planet:
Comment from damndave
Time: January 2, 2009, 12:31 am
Who would name their child “Maverick”. That’s a more egregious use of the language than all the rest of this combined. I think I’ll name my daughter “Shovel”. My nomination for banishment is “juncture”. I don’t think this was used until George H.W. Bush used it during his presidency and now it’s used by everyone from sportscasters to first-graders. “At this juncture,Bob, it’s time to bring on a relief pitcher!” It sounds like an unholy union of the words “tincture” and “junction”
Comment from Somone Right Behind You
Time: January 2, 2009, 1:00 am
This is what I have to say, honestly, who cares? WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL IF PEOPLE USE A WORD? I mean, it’s not like these words are actually BANNED. Seriously, if you care that a word is said to much, well, WHY DO YOU? I don’t get this.
Comment from Mike Stoddard
Time: January 2, 2009, 1:13 am
DUDE! Hasn’t anyone heard of that little thing called “freedom of speech?” Now we are being told what we shouldn’t say because its not appropriate? Who cares? Im gonna BAILOUT of this site!
Comment from Hector
Time: January 2, 2009, 2:31 am
The following terms were so overused this last election, it was sickening! “Joe-Sixpack, Hockey-Mom, Joe the Plumber and Pork Barrel Spending”
Comment from mavoagain
Time: January 2, 2009, 6:32 am
” basically “should be Banned also “ASAP”
Comment from Andy Bazar
Time: January 2, 2009, 7:20 am
I’m more than sick of the phrase “they have the right to defend themselves”. Given the fact that a country has nukes, tanks, jet aircraft, and organized armies, when some minor offense takes places and such countries retaliate in 1000X terms, “having the right to defend themselves” sees a bit over the top.
Comment from Cassandra Morrison
Time: January 2, 2009, 7:52 am
I don’t think “bailout” should be gotten rid of—even though it should actually be TWO words as in “to bail OUT of a plane”. What the person asking for it wants is a financial parachute in order to avoid crashing into reality and responsibility for their own dunderheadness the way a flier wants to avoid losing an argument with gravity.
The only banned word I really hate is “sousaphone”—it lacks clarinety.
Comment from PMB
Time: January 2, 2009, 8:00 am
Is this a useful list that I will be sure to reference from hence forth whilst writing? Not so much.
Comment from Klaus
Time: January 2, 2009, 8:15 am
American English.? It ignores english grammar and bastardises the spelling.. so whats english about it? Call it American..it might even be “very fun?”..
In the words of Lucy..”Good Grief Charlie Brown”
Comment from David N. Baker
Time: January 2, 2009, 9:40 am
The 1st word to ban on my list would be “Awesome” Kids, especially, use it over and over making it lose its impact.
Comment from Tai
Time: January 2, 2009, 10:03 am
AT THE END OF THE DAY has got to go. I hear political commentators use it all the time to sum up their thoughts. Axe it!
Comment from Cindy
Time: January 2, 2009, 10:25 am
“You Guys” I am so tired of being called “you guys” by wait staff, bank tellers, check out clerks, realtors, service people. ‘Guy’ by definition is: ‘boy, man, fellow, chap’. I’m none of those.
As a 61-year old, I also hate to be ‘greeted’ by first name at a checkout by a 16 year old whom I have never met.
Also, ‘bottomline’ and ‘all that to say this’.
Comment from blackcurry
Time: January 2, 2009, 11:13 am
I’d like to nominate all words that people invent to try to sound intelligent …. like ….. conversate. You can converse or have a conversation but you cannot conversate.
Comment from Glen
Time: January 2, 2009, 11:14 am
The word that I think is the most overused is: Impacted
It has become so overused that people don’t even realize they are using it incorrectly….it unfortunately has become part of the vernacular. Impact or impacted were not meant to be a verb or adverb…..but a noun or adjective.
In the old days if someone was impacted….they needed a dentist or doctor………….
Comment from jon
Time: January 2, 2009, 11:33 am
For the win
Epic Fail
those are my two
Comment from JEM
Time: January 2, 2009, 12:30 pm
STORYTIME!! Only being a fan for the past two years, I submit for a second year a brief comment using each word on this 34th list. Perhaps some adventurous soul would make the words on each year’s list into a sentence or two. Each would then become a chapter of an ongoing work of fiction.
Chapter 33 was posted on last year’s list. Here’s chapter 34:
It’s that time of year again when a maverick, a real first dude, was seen leaving a green carbon footprint as he mounted a desperate search for a wall street/main street bailout. Walking along with him was a famous monkey, which is
Comment from Nathan
Time: January 2, 2009, 1:08 pm
i think its so stupid that yall are goin to try to banish words it is the dumbest thing i have ever heard of this is america the government is already putting us kids through enough stuff bailing out the auto industries and stuff whos going to pay that back us KIDS dont freaking ban our words we will say them anyways yall are a bunch of hippocritical jerks
Comment from aj rez
Time: January 2, 2009, 1:12 pm
“Ironic”. It started with Alanis Morissette’s misuse and abuse and has turned into a buzzword for an equally clueless generation. A hipster wearing an “ironic” trucker hat? What does that even *mean*?
Comment from Andy
Time: January 2, 2009, 1:20 pm
“at the end of the day” this list is powerful, but can we banish “at the end of the day” for ‘09
Comment from DJH
Time: January 2, 2009, 1:23 pm
I agree “carbon” should not be used as it often is. The most important reason — which is not stated here — is that what most environmentalists are talking about is NOT “carbon,” but “carbon dioxide.” Carbon exists in many forms in the world; not all of it is carbon dioxide, and not all is even in a form which will eventually become carbon dioxide somehow.
Another environmentalist phrase you hear occasionally, which is just as erroneously used, is “zero landfill.” I saw commercials for a factory which had “zero landfill.”
Someone please explain to me what kind of a landfill is a “zero” landfill? Answer: There isn’t one. They don’t exist.
What the commercial REALLY meant to say is that the factory generated “zero landfill waste.”
As for people complaining about lists like this, and who cannot or will not understand their significance … the problem with overused jargon is that it makes communication more vague than it would be otherwise. Many people use these words and phrases merely because it is fashionable to do so, not because they’re meaningful according to what the person is trying to say.
The point of using language is to communicate. That is done most effectively by being as informative as possible. Cluttering up one’s words with fashionable jargon merely because that jargon is fashionable, provides no information. All it does is show that the speaker or writer can regurgitate fashionable words and phrases.
I prefer to enlighten, rather than jump on a linguistic bandwagon just to show I’m lexigraphically “hip.” It’s in no one’s best interest to be “fashionable” rather than “clear.”
Comment from Alex
Time: January 2, 2009, 1:25 pm
How about “Joe the plumber” or Joe whatever. I hope the mavericks and their Joe’s become a figment of my imagination.
However, we should use Palin in lieu of dumb
Comment from Edward Smith
Time: January 2, 2009, 1:33 pm
The phrase, ‘went missing’, irks me. It infers that being missing is the result of a conscious effort, to be missing, by that person. Kidnapped people do not ‘go missing’. They are missing, a condition caused by someone else.
Another one: “The front is moving ‘on off’ the coast. Grrrrr.”
Comment from Agitationist
Time: January 2, 2009, 1:41 pm
More grist for the mill here:
http://agitationist.com/101-web-business-cliches-that-must-die-in-2009
Comment from Pierre B
Time: January 2, 2009, 1:44 pm
I nominate:”Throw under the bus” and its variants.
Anyone who uses this expression should be put under a bus!!
Comment from roed
Time: January 2, 2009, 2:04 pm
“Play a factor in…” is another phrase that has to go. Either something IS a factor in , or PLAYS a ROLE in something. Can’t mix the two!
Comment from Stephanie
Time: January 2, 2009, 2:16 pm
If I hear “actually” or “basically” inserted 5 times into one verbal paragraph again this year I might go ballistic. I think it has replaced “you know.”
Comment from Cindy
Time: January 2, 2009, 2:35 pm
Oh….and ‘kick him/her/it to the curb’
Comment from Lynn
Time: January 2, 2009, 2:44 pm
I should have commented earlier, but I would love to add…”going digital” to the banned word list. If I have to see or hear one more thing about getting ready for our government ordered T.V’s”going digital”… If you’re not ready by now people… February 17 can’t come soon enough.
Comment from Larry
Time: January 2, 2009, 2:46 pm
Mind Set; As far as I know the human mind does not come in sets. When did we stop making up our mind to do things? We as a nation need to get back to the grass roots that made this country great and, we need to start with the words and phrases that we all understand What is wrong with simple english????? LEARN IT, SPEAK IT and USE IT!!!!
Comment from Dave
Time: January 2, 2009, 2:48 pm
How can you banish “Maverick” and “First-Dude” without also bannishing “Change”? …or is the answer obvious?
Comment from Dufus
Time: January 2, 2009, 2:56 pm
+1 on “At the end of the day” and the egregious misuse of the word “issues.” When I hear someone say, “My computer has issues” I want to puke. A computer can have PROBLEMS but it cannot have ISSUES.
Also recommend any noun that has been twisted into a verb. To quote Apple’s iTunes site, “Gift this music.” GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Comment from susan s thompson
Time: January 2, 2009, 2:56 pm
SHOVEL-READY really irritates me.
Comment from susan s thompson
Time: January 2, 2009, 2:58 pm
And I totally support LARRY’S nomination of BABY BUMP.
Comment from Mike Madsen
Time: January 2, 2009, 3:02 pm
I really wish that a fine would be levied upon any sportscaster who uses the phrase “controls their/his/her own destiny”. Use of the term implies that the team/individual had NO control up to that point, living in a totally reactionary state all their lives.
Comment from Charmer
Time: January 2, 2009, 3:14 pm
Change
Uh
Associations
Judgement
Experience
Obamanomics
This campaign made me hate all of those words.
Comment from Tdub
Time: January 2, 2009, 3:20 pm
“No Worries”…….. “Like”………” Totally”………”Me Myself, I don’t like this crap”……….All need to be put to rest forever. If you are a person that uses these words or phrases, please work on your vocab.
Comment from Vanessa
Time: January 2, 2009, 3:44 pm
Along with “icon” and “iconic,” how about banning “diva?” Opera singers are divas. I’ll even accept Diana Ross as a diva. Christina Aguilera and Shakira, I’m sorry to say…uh, not so much.
My number one choice for a ban is related to the recent economic turmoil. It’s “toxic.” I was sick of hearing it within one week of the Lehman Bros. collapse.
Comment from alex
Time: January 2, 2009, 4:10 pm
Sorry, I did not read all the above comments, but I am weary of hearing the phrases…..”transparent and seamless transition. Nothing is transparent and when change happens, it is never seamless. Just because someone says it doesn’t make it so!
Comment from marco polo
Time: January 2, 2009, 4:28 pm
Ban the word “BAN”
And banish the title “Public Relations” Office, officer
And forbid “whatever” to answer a question or end a sentence.
Comment from ELEANOR E.p.
Time: January 2, 2009, 4:33 pm
I HAVE TO AGREE WITH 90 % OF WHAT WAS TYPPED HERE .. SOME MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT I HAD TYPED THE WORD TYPED AND NOT TYPED SAID. I APPLY THE WORD SAID WHEN WE SPEAK IN PERSON , OTHERE THAN THAT ITS CALLED TYPING. ANYWAY. I DO HATE ALOT OF PHRASES AND OTHER WORDS AND I THINK THEY SHOULD BE BANNED, BUT WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO BAN THEM/ THE GOVERNMENT OR JUST THE PUBLIC ITSELF? I HAVE USED ALOT OF DIFFERENT PHRASES AND LIKE MY 31 YR OLD DAUGHTER, I CAN SPEAK ABRUTLY TOO, NOW I AM CANADIAN AND YES WE SPEAK NOT SO WELL TOO, I LOVE GREAT BRITIANS ENGLISH, ALOT OF THEM DO SPEAK THE PROPER LANGUAGE WE UNDOUBTLY RUIN WHEN WE OPEN OUR MOUTHS, I AM IN THERE TOO NOT POINTING FINGERS AT ANYONE!!. BUT IF SOME PHRASES OR WORDS STAY , THEN WHY NOT ? THEY ARE JUST THAT , WORDS, NO HARM , NO FOWL. TO ANYONE
Comment from Ray
Time: January 2, 2009, 4:35 pm
Why not eliminate the hackneyed “Dude” altogether?
Comment from MS. MAYE
Time: January 2, 2009, 4:58 pm
HELLO THERE, WELL TO BEGIN WITH… HAPPY NEW YEAR!
NOW WITH THIS WORD BANNING. WHAT IN GODS NAME WOULD THAT GET US? LIKE WHAT THE PEROSN ABOVE SAID.. WORDS ARE JUST THAT.. WORDS… SO WE MAY ALL SPEAK BAD OR MISINFORMED, SO WHAT OF IT/ AS LONG AS THEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE SAYING , WHO GIVES A RATS*** . EXCUSE ME FOR BEING SO BRASH.. BUT I AM CONCIDERATED AS BEING UP FRONT WITH WHAT I SPEAK ABOUT OR SAY. NOW THAT IS NOT A FLAW IT IS HUMAN NATURE, AND IF ONE CANT SPEAK THE WAY THEY WANT AND BE IN A SOCITEY THAT IS GOVERNED BY OTHERS , THEN LET THEM, FOR ME , I SPEAK MY MIND TO WHOM OR WHATEVER I WISH, MY WORDS ARE NOT GOING TO HARM ANYONE, BUT I DO WATCH WHAT I SAY NOT TO HURT SOMEONES FEELINGS. I DO HAVE THAT CONCIDERATION..BUT ALL IN ALL, YOU DONT HAVE TO BE DUMB TO TALK DUMB… BUT TALKING LIKE A DICTIONARY IS ANOTHER THING I MOST LIKE TO BAN!!!! ACTING LIKE A KNOWITALL BURNS MY BUNS!!!THANKS… AND I TOO ,AM A CANADIAN…. SO RIGHT ON ELEANOR..
Comment from Kerby
Time: January 2, 2009, 5:25 pm
First of all, thank you for the list. It’s always nice to have others confirm society’s atrocities.
I agree with Larry, I want “baby bump”, “bump watch” and “hottest baby bump in a bikini” to go away. I don’t care who is pregnant and how good they look in a bikini. When you are having a baby who cares how perfect your child is sitting inside of your uterus.
And with that it would also be nice to abolish the publication of the biggest question of the year “Who has the cheesiest looking butt?”
Comment from Pete09
Time: January 2, 2009, 5:55 pm
I nominate “sustainable” and its derivatives to be included among “green” words to be banished. To a “green,” anything whose availability can’t be guaranteed forever is “unsustainable” and therefore shouldn’t be used at all. Not only that, they don’t want anyone to go looking for new sources of what they consider “unsustainable,” because they’ll just be “unsustainable” too. Never mind that expanding the sources will keep the economy going and provide the wealth and the time to develop substitutes for that which is “unsustainable.”
Comment from Lea
Time: January 2, 2009, 6:18 pm
How about the repetative description ’same exact’? It’s not only grammatically incorrect, it’s also redundant. Aren’t the two words the ’same exact’ thing? I actually saw this one a a commercial for the History Channel last night. Who’s writing their copy?
Poeple who who say ‘whole entire’ also irk me. Isn’t it also the same thing? By using both is it supposed be be more intense? More serious? What?
Comment from roed
Time: January 2, 2009, 6:59 pm
A phrase that irks me, and is used on news shows regularly is “went missing” or “has gone missing”, when referring to the unknown where-abouts of someone, against whom, foul play is suspected. The phrase infers that a person is missing of his/her own volition. In fact, a kidnapped or abducted person is missing due to the actions of others.
Comment from Kenny
Time: January 2, 2009, 7:04 pm
If I hear a kid say theword “like” one more time at the start of a sentence, I will hang him or her from the nearest tree. this to me is the same as running fingernails down a blackboard, it is disgusting and in poor taste
Comment from Ted Ley
Time: January 2, 2009, 7:49 pm
Quintessential!
Comment from Swampy
Time: January 2, 2009, 8:19 pm
Please get rid of:
“Diversity” - this word is used incorrectly everywhere & anywhere.
“Wall St. & Main St.” - I don’t work on Wall St. & I certainly don’t live on Main St.
“Change” - in any form, get rid of it!!
“Hope” - I’ll decide what I’ll hope for & when. I don’t need some rattle-mouthed politician to decide what I should hope for & how much I’ll receive of such a virtue.
“Drill down” - used in just about every office.
“Critical Mass” - I was in a community meeting & some woman used this when talking about the plans for in-fill building of single family structures. We’re talking a few dozen homes, not rebuilding the neighborhood. So, who or what is a critical mass?
“Surreal” - what is up with the liberal usage of this uninteresting word?
“Stay” - You’ve heard this one. I stay over in Pleasantville. She be staying in them new buildins near Downtown. I don’t know about you, but I live in Swellsville. I stay in a hotel or an inn when traveling.
“Mainstream” is another word that grates similar to squeaky chalk on a board. Arrrgh!
Has “Troops” been ashcanned in a past year? I hope so. I don’t know how the media can classify 2 military personnel in a vehicle as troops. I always thought that several brigades & battalions formed troops. Please remember our women & men serving in our military forces. It isn’t whether you agree or disagree on the venues, our people count for something.
Oh, and I’m so tired of hearing, “Breaking News”. Everything & anything is breaking news.
All the best to Lake Superior & the posters in 2009. Hopefully, we can junk some of the stupid talk that’s crept into the vocabulary.
Comment from Kyla
Time: January 2, 2009, 9:26 pm
I’ve noticed that some people are wanting words eliminated that aren’t actually that bad. I mean, what’s wrong with the word “basically”? As long as it’s not overused, everything should be fine, right?
However, there are few words I’d like to get rid of.
Words like “OMG” or “BFF” or “FYI” are extremely annoying (even though my 13 year old self uses them sometimes). Are people just too lazy to say the actual words or something?
And for some reason, the word “super” bothers me immensely.
Comment from Len Woelfel
Time: January 2, 2009, 9:51 pm
“Amazing.” Everything is amazing. Were all other adjectives banned?
Comment from oma
Time: January 3, 2009, 1:35 am
I too think the word “Green” is misused, many people are using them for advertisement purpose and to raise funds.
Comment from Julianne
Time: January 3, 2009, 4:42 am
Brilliant list, the best banished word list ever. I agree with everything except the short-sighted comment of JOHN MARRANCA JR, he is totally incorrect about the percentage he sited (it is actually 66%). And for the record… the opponent’s record is actually 100%. If Lockstep is what you were looking for, look the other direction. Already
Comment from Ray
Time: January 3, 2009, 4:44 am
“BABY MAMA” and any similar terms referencing the parent of a child.
It’s not cute, it’s never been cute, so knock it off already!!!!!!
Comment from Terry Reed, Ph.D.
Time: January 3, 2009, 8:02 am
Allow me to nominate, or renominate, the revolting expressions “in terms of” and “window of opportunity,” the use of which in broadcasting ought to be sufficient cause for termination, if not summary execution. I use “in terms of” in a book of my own*, now in press, but only to illustrate its stupidity.
*Of Herds and Hermits: America’s Lone Wolves and Submissive Sheep (New York, Algora Books, Spring 2009)
Comment from James Lenon
Time: January 3, 2009, 9:03 am
“First Dude” may find favor with the anti-intellectuals of the GOP. I prefer candidates who are fluent in English and who know enough to keep the “First Dud” away from any access to real or presumed power.
Comment from James Donahue
Time: January 3, 2009, 9:39 am
Tired of the phrases “rushed to the hospital” and “thrown under the bus.”
Comment from Greg Graves
Time: January 3, 2009, 12:09 pm
SUV and Gasguzzler should be added due to the overuse during the fuel price crisis of 2008, So what, we like our vehicles, and we will pay to drive them
Comment from Art Funkhouser
Time: January 3, 2009, 12:26 pm
Has anyone noticed that “define” is way overused, especially in TIME?
Comment from John
Time: January 3, 2009, 1:26 pm
It’s a good list, but Americans haven’t spoken the “Queen’s English” for a long time, nor should they aspire to do so.
Comment from Tom
Time: January 3, 2009, 1:54 pm
I submit the word, “Awesome”, as the word most overused. It pops up everywhere, in kids who want to be cool, adults who think they want to be seen as cool and with it, the media and now public figures.
When I hear this word I get a gag reflex. When I hear someone say “awesome” it makes me think of some little kid who has a very limited vocabulary.
Comment from Jo Linda
Time: January 3, 2009, 2:28 pm
To those couple of people that commented “get a life” Hello? If anyone needs to get something it’s you who needs to get a sense of humor!! Do you honestly think that this is serious? Do you really think these words are all of sudden going to disappear from the English language. It’s a JOKE and it’s something that been done annually for the past 20+ years…which makes it tradition. In a country…hell, a world that is ever-changing and a little depressing lately it’s nice to have something that we can count on every year and if nothing else will make us smile for a few minutes!! Lighten up!! Have a drink and relax…
Comment from Victor Claude Pirtle
Time: January 3, 2009, 5:39 pm
Please leave alone the word “maverick.” It is harmless, notwithstanding that it has been perversely used. Politicians have no morals, so don’t blame the word on their use of this wonderful adjective, verb, and noun. I would never name a politician one that is an individual beyond their own skin.
Comment from Richard Palzer
Time: January 3, 2009, 5:59 pm
As I looked over the list of comments, I stumbled on a particularly profane entry from “hates you” (I won’t quote because it would result in giving him/her/it more publicity than already given by pointing out the identity of who/what is responsible for the tastelessness.) Not only is this an argument for a filter to expunge offensive language–which would be bleeped in any self-respecting broadcast or publication–but it just might prevent spewers of obscenity and vulgarity from further exposing their ignorance. Nah, they probably enjoy the notoriety. But you don’t need to continue giving them the opportunity. I vote for civility. For objectors to my complaint–critcize, even insult, if you don’t like the list, but show some class in doing so.
Comment from ian prescott
Time: January 3, 2009, 7:57 pm
We need to get rid of the word “terminal”
as in airport terminal. It implies that you’re
never coming back.
Comment from Mike
Time: January 3, 2009, 8:55 pm
After observing many of the comments, I think we need to restrict the term “First Amendment” to those who actually have some clue as to what it means. The amendment only prevents Congress from restricting free speech, not those in the private sector. Granted this doesn’t really matter since the list is satire. It’s a sad truth that my tax dollars are being spent to produce people who don’t understand basic civics or humor.
Comment from Susan Stanton
Time: January 4, 2009, 12:00 pm
Please add “positive spin” to the list (if not already there). What they mean is “unrealistic bias,” or possibly “out and out lie.”
Comment from Peter Inkley
Time: January 4, 2009, 2:02 pm
HAPPY HOLIDAYS- this pathetic apology for a greeting was probably devised by some PC aparatchik, so as to play down the real significance of Christmas, in my book: celebrating the birth of Christ our Saviour- in case it should give offence to athiests, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Sufis, ancestor worshippers, etc. Or, worse still, as a one-size-fits-all greeting to cover any event that may coincide with Christmas, somewhat insulting to the aforementioned faiths. I refuse to buy Christmas cards with “Happy Holidays” in them. Please banish this “greeting”
Comment from Lin
Time: January 4, 2009, 3:03 pm
No one is going to stop saying the things that are on this list.
Comment from bj
Time: January 4, 2009, 4:47 pm
My favorite was during the “gas crunch” or “I don’t know what i’m going to do when gas hits $4 a gallon”.I know what your going to do is keep on driving & take it in the a** from the big oil companies(what else)
Comment from SMMT
Time: January 4, 2009, 7:43 pm
I can not stand the following!
Tom says to Rob “How’s it goin?”
Rob says to Tom “It’s goin”
First: the word is GOING not goin and second: goin? goin where? What the heck?
Sue says to Tina “Oh your baby is so cute! Can I hold it?” Tina says “Sure” Just to be nice. But she is screaming NO inside. Tina should say ” Oh your husband is so cute! Can I hold it?” Think about it! If I need to explain more, you will never understand. Ok for those who still don’t see my point. You are up all night with a screaming baby who has a wierd rash on them. Where do you think they got it from?? Or here, The baby is a human not a TOY!!! They deserve the same respect and personal space as the rest of us!!!!
Comment from Brian Heath
Time: January 4, 2009, 7:56 pm
On the 2010 list, please consider adding the term “diva”.
The term USED to have a respectful connotation to describe a talented female performer. However, through overuse and misuse, the meaning of the term has been seriously watered down. At best, it’s become a generic term for a female singer, regardless of stature or talent. At worst, it’s become a way to call a female celebrity a “b****”.
Comment from Marci
Time: January 5, 2009, 9:07 am
Two phrases that have been overused by ad agencies, broadcasters, etc. for years:
“…that special someone…” and
“Check it out!”
Comment from David
Time: January 5, 2009, 9:32 am
Here’s one that’s been overlooked for far too long.
“Entitled” when you mean “Titled”. Are longer words more powerful? Here’s the thing. It is worth arguing that everything is entitled to a title. At least having a title makes things easier to talk about. Once something gets its title, then it is just titled.
Comment from David E. Barker
Time: January 5, 2009, 10:07 am
Please add the word “awesome” to the list of those to be banished forever. This word is used to describe everything from an automobile, to a dress, to a situation, etc. and is no longer meaningful. Possible substitutions include “wonderful”, “extraordinary”, “unique”, “fantastic”, “amazing” and dozens of others.
Thank you.
Comment from Sara
Time: January 5, 2009, 10:35 am
What about “safe haven”? A “haven” is a safe place by definition; therefore, a “safe haven” must be a bullet-proof bubble.
Comment from Peter Van de Kamer
Time: January 5, 2009, 11:37 am
Basically, I would like to add , like, two words to your, like, banished words for, like, 2009. Basically, it’s not so much, like, the words as such, but, basically, their usages, like, demonstrated here. Guess these two words,
Comment from Wanda
Time: January 5, 2009, 11:48 am
Also overlooked and overused…may we please please add the word JOURNEY? As in, “If I hear any more about your journey I will gladly help you end it.”
Comment from Brandon
Time: January 5, 2009, 11:55 am
“Actual/actually”. Just search for it in these comments and you’ll see how atrociously overused they are.
I also hate “you know”, especially when used with “actual/actually”. For example, “It would be a good show if any of the actors could actually, you know, act.”
Comment from Sheila
Time: January 5, 2009, 1:06 pm
“It’s all good” and
anything, “yada, yada or blah, blah, etc”… That takes the place of finishing a sentance. It’s lazy and thoughtless~
Comment from Dr. Mbobi Emmanuel
Time: January 5, 2009, 2:28 pm
Maybe we should barnish the phrase “Hit the ground running.” It one of those would that have been appearing frequently ever since Obama started picking his cabinet.
Comment from Ken
Time: January 5, 2009, 2:30 pm
I would love to see the word “persons” banished for all time. If the use…when *people* would be the correct would…the Constitution would begin…”We the Persons…” Dumb…faux legal-speak used by folk who want to some edumacated.
And, what about vetted? Is that nominated? I hope so.
Comment from jim
Time: January 5, 2009, 3:17 pm
I come from the foothills region of North Carolina. There, when you use “green” as a verb, it means “to con, to outwit, or to take advantage of,” as in “Them madison avenue jackasses have really greened us this time.” So whenever I hear “green” used as a verb, I know what it really means.
Comment from Frances Stewart
Time: January 5, 2009, 3:22 pm
I cringe when I’m guilty of over using words that make the list. Thanks for this yearly reminder to use words well.
For 2009 I submit “referenced” when used as verb. “Refer” and “reffered” are adequate words. Frances Stewart, Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada.
Comment from Leah
Time: January 5, 2009, 3:40 pm
I was going to submit this for 2010, but it was so overused in 2008 so I’m just going to add this to the list.
“Over the Moon”
Every time a celebrity gets pregnant, married, or lands the role of their dreams, they’re “over the moon” with happiness. Maybe we should send them to the moon without a return ticket.
Comment from Pepper Global
Time: January 5, 2009, 3:47 pm
One that gets us is “offline,” as in
Let’s talk about this subject “offline.” What you really mean is, “Let’s not talk about this in front of certain people.”
If you stop and think about it, when you’re on a call or in a meeting, you’re not online. You’re talking.
How about we just “Talk about it later?”
Comment from Lou
Time: January 5, 2009, 4:37 pm
Let’s ban “sort of ” and kind of “. Perhaps these terms are a bow to the PC speaking emphasis that’s been forced on us, and by using these expressions, we risk offending absolutely no one by beiing positive. But it would seem that people are never certain of anything; they are “sorta unhappy”, kinda sorry they did it”. For Pete’s sake, you should know whether you’re actually happy, and if you really are sorry you did something.
Comment from jim campbell
Time: January 5, 2009, 5:32 pm
The word Barack Obama and The Chosen one in the same sentence.
Comment from jim campbell
Time: January 5, 2009, 5:37 pm
Ban all politically correct speech, as in hyphenated-American and all the words the left can’t stand. Put everything back on the table say what you want to say, and mean it.!
Comment from Gary
Time: January 5, 2009, 6:47 pm
Two new pop culture expressions, the words of which are not new–only the inflection:
- “Really?” This already is overused to express “Are you kidding?” or “Are you serious?” for an annoying or unbelievable act.
- “So” such as “That is so not funny” or “I am so not going to go.”
Another annoying, uncreative, and inarticulate saying: “It is what it is.”
Comment from Mark
Time: January 5, 2009, 8:20 pm
How about: Something “is the new” something.
As in “Red is the new Black”.
Ugh.
Comment from Quentin Decker
Time: January 5, 2009, 8:28 pm
When I thank someone–a clerk, waiter, salesperson, whoever–I would much prefer to have them say to me, “You’re welcome,” rather than “No problem.” This is tired old computer jargon. I almost want to say back, “I’m glad it wasn’t a problem for you to wait on me.” But that would be sarcasm and should be avoided.
Comment from Shannon Assion
Time: January 5, 2009, 11:13 pm
“Staggering” is used too much by TV News writers. I can’t remember the last time I actually staggered, but I bet I was either at the ER or at a funeral, nothing else makes me stagger no amount of bad information will have this affect on me! Esp: Financial Losses of Large Multinational Corporations!
Comment from Todd Harris
Time: January 5, 2009, 11:26 pm
You forgot the phrase “hunker down.”
Comment from Nwankama Nwankama
Time: January 6, 2009, 2:36 am
I support academic communities banning most of these nonsensical words. They do nothing but dilute the quality of the English language we hear on TV and on the streets. Nwankama Nwankama
Comment from Nwankama W Nwankama
Time: January 6, 2009, 3:27 am
I believe that “gorgeous” has been overused, even for the most ordinary things. The word has lost its meaning; and should be given some time off — maybe a year or two — to regain its orgininal meaning.
Comment from porge
Time: January 6, 2009, 5:24 am
“Gone missing”! It’s from the UK and one of the many things we can leave there.
Comment from Mary Campbell
Time: January 6, 2009, 7:02 am
Financial CRISIS — It wouldn’t BE a crisis if everybody stopped referring to it as one. CRISES in “the Economy” are usually precipitated by a REAL problematic situation, but it is a decline in public confidence that turns an “oops” into a crisis.
Comment from Jeremy
Time: January 6, 2009, 10:16 am
amazing site traffic. you should have set up ads! I enjoy this list every year. This year the f-bomb and fxxx really made a lot of headway, not in mainstream, but you get my point. Not sure if that is a negative though… (also love the perpetual overuse of “…” - so hot right now!)
Comment from John Petruska
Time: January 6, 2009, 10:34 am
It’s a shame that “fashionable fades” replace and are destroying “proven principles.”
Comment from BRT
Time: January 6, 2009, 10:43 am
A common theme among these is the lack of honesty fueling each of the banished.
GREEN: another way of saying your product destroys the environment, although not as much as the other leading product of the same type.
CARBON FOOTPRINT or CARBON OFFSETTING: a way to convey to the public that your organization is destroying the environment, one step at a time.
MAVERICK: some terrible person with no spine, and no hope of an honest victory.
FIRST DUDE: He’s Mr. President. But yes, we have lost something along the way…
WALL STREET/MAIN STREET: Main Street is the front for Wall Street, and this is the heart of their shell game. Watch them loathe each other and perhaps you will keep your eyes away from their hands in our pockets.
BAILOUT: The ship is sinking, start bailing. Don’t, whatever you do, try to plug the holes… just actively remove the incoming water — indefinitely. I see a cartoon of a flotilla of fat pigs on a sinking raft, with many swimming people, women and children, removing the water for them so that the fat pigs can be more comfortable.
Et Cetera.
Comment from Rob Payne
Time: January 6, 2009, 10:51 am
I just heard the interview on the CBC show ‘Q’ with the host Jian Ghomeshi and had to write.
An interesting idea……some good choices……I’d like to suggest a few more.
LOL is grossly overused. ‘Nuff Said’ is stunningly arrogant…suggesting that no one else is capable of elaborating any more on a given subject. And my third for now is ‘Grow the economy’.
Thanks,
Rob Payne,
Rondeau, Ontario, Canada
Comment from debbie
Time: January 6, 2009, 11:43 am
organic. It used to describe food. Now I hear it to describe music,fashion,home decor, to name just a few. I am already tired of this word & have a feeling I will hear alot of it in 2009 and yes, I too hate the phrase ‘going green’
Comment from Gary
Time: January 6, 2009, 1:12 pm
Don’t add “mental” or “clueless” to your list, because that is what best describes your adding “green” to the banished words list. I guess you just don’t understand the state of the world today living in such a small part of it. Travel, expand your understanding of how bad our planet is becoming.
Comment from Robin Watt
Time: January 6, 2009, 1:24 pm
This supposed banned list is nothing but a tool to destroy the growth of language.
Make up what ever rules you want, language grows and will continue to grow without this silly set of “guidelines”.
Improvise, adapt, and overcome. Setting any limits only limits yourself and the ones that might follow your limitations, but no one else.
Comment from Martha Barker
Time: January 6, 2009, 1:32 pm
A word that has been given a whole new meaning is “existing” as in “this is my existing house.” Does this mean that the house would not exist if it were not the speaker’s house or would it then simply become an “existing house?” belonging to somebody’s else?”
I think the speaker really means his/her current place of iodging.
Comment from Paul
Time: January 6, 2009, 1:35 pm
The word LIKE should be on the list for all eternity. I encounter so many people who have no idea how to speak, or for that matter email, without using the word LIKE as a filler for everything.
It, like, drives me like, NUTSO!
Comment from dorrie
Time: January 6, 2009, 1:40 pm
any adjective transformed into a verb (as in the use of the word “green” in the construction “to green”)…one that i find particularly annoying is the use of the noun “impact” as a verb. this is often used by news announcers, for example: “The snow impacted their morning drive to work.”
Comment from Pablo
Time: January 6, 2009, 2:32 pm
Regarding “
Comment from M
Time: January 6, 2009, 3:19 pm
Enjoyed hearing you today on CBC radio Canada (better than surfing - and can still drive while listening) (btw- whatever happened to the word “surfing”). I’m too late for this year’s list, but here are some comments for the future.
Thanks to Vicki (Dec31), for mentioning “having said that”, “said” too often during meetings and speeches.
“Wearing hats” or ” Changing one’s hat” seems to be another overused, annoying, not to mention often inaccurate saying that suggests the person is able (not to mention they feel compelled ) to change their point of view/opinion according to whom/what they are representing , also usually during meetings.
To the Enviromental list - please add “sustainable/ sustainability”. This may now have been replaced by “green” , but both are overused (sustainable fisheries, sustainable aquaculture, sustainable economy…) often inappropriately, and mostly because anything in context of our growing industries and popn in this little ol world is usually not.
Great fun - mib.
Comment from Elizabeth Dods
Time: January 6, 2009, 5:29 pm
My favourite news lead-in:
“A home invasion gone terribly wrong”. I can’t imagine how it goes when it’s right.
Comment from Dean Douglas Darling
Time: January 7, 2009, 12:45 am
I would like news reporters and news commentators to STOP using the expression “the war on terror”.
Also, I would like to see (and hear) the word “thing” used far less frequently; let us substitute more precise nouns — those that convey images.
Thank you.
Comment from:
Dean Douglas Darling
Vancouver, Canada
Comment from Kritz
Time: January 7, 2009, 3:27 am
I really can’t see how “Maverick” was put on the list but “Change” wasn’t.
I’m very annoyed by both words, but “change” was uttered more times and by more people I could even begin to recall. I’m sure if one watched any of the debates or campaign stumps, it would be obvious too.
Comment from Jack
Time: January 7, 2009, 11:46 am
Entertaining, a nice, helpful diversion.
I dislike “spot on” and believe it originated in England. American disembodied heads must think it sounds intelligent. Also, please sports announcers, stop taking it to the house. Take it next door or across the street once in awhile. Thanks!
Comment from MADman
Time: January 7, 2009, 1:33 pm
“Space” when one means “room” or “house” or “kitchen”. All the design shows on TV these days use “space” for almost anything, usually including a slight lisp for some reason. Very pretentious.
Comment from njineer
Time: January 7, 2009, 2:13 pm
Our CEO is constantly talking about “Game Changers” and “Changing the Game”. There is no change in this company…. he continues to earn more by taking more out of my paycheck. This is actually Status Quo.
Comment from Ron
Time: January 7, 2009, 2:57 pm
I sure hope we dispatch ‘moving forward’ and ‘going forward’ to the curb. Folks think they sound visionary when they use these words, but what they really do is bore their audiences senseless.
Comment from Foxtrot Sierra
Time: January 7, 2009, 5:40 pm
Dang! I sometimes use the woefully stupid, “me personally”. It seems that when some clown on the news get interviewed on TV, the reporter usually asks a question DIRECTLY to the person being interviewed. The interviewee somehow thinks that the interviewer is asking the invisible person standing directly behind the interviewee the question. They’ll say, “Well Bob, for me personally, I believe that the world should go green because of global warming and while we’re at it; let’s throw some horse meat from helicopters to the polar bears.”
Comment from gun_will_travel
Time: January 7, 2009, 6:34 pm
I would like to include (exclude?) the overuse of “much” as an abbreviation for the sarcastic sentence “Do you very much?” As in, “Walk much?” when someone trips.
Or the evolved form of the cliche, using “much” for “You much enjoy , don’t you?” As in, “Word cliche much?”
Comment from Elizabeth Anne
Time: January 7, 2009, 9:31 pm
Literally. When something isn’t literal, people should not say “literally”. My head exploded, literally. No. It did not. If it had exploded, you wouldn’t be able to tell me about it. When people misuse “literally”, I want to kill them. Literally.
(I know, very cute. Sorry. I couldn’t resist.)
Comment from Sam Dutton
Time: January 8, 2009, 8:46 am
‘Around’, as in…
- ‘issues around compliance’ (trouble with the law)
- ’solutions around resourcing’ (finding staff)
etc.
Also, the would-be-cute use of the word ’stuff’: as in ‘cool stuff for your iPhone’.
Also, yesterday, someone sent me an email referring to a ‘bouquet of applications’. I thought ’suite of applications’ was bad enough — ha!
Comment from JEM
Time: January 8, 2009, 11:15 am
It’s that time of year again when a maverick, a real first dude, was seen leaving a green carbon footprint as he mounted a desperate search for a wall street/main street bailout. He had with him a famous monkey, which is “less than 3″, who was an iconic game changer and not so much the winner of five nominations for his staycation video.
Comment from JEM
Time: January 8, 2009, 11:18 am
Dear “approver”: Please pull out the first, or 11:10 am, comment I sent. Like earlier in the week, my suggested posting would not cut and paste beyond the “less than 3″ symbol. So, I used the term for that Banished Word. It seem to have worked!! Thank you for your faithful service in this important area of our culture.
Comment from JEM
Time: January 8, 2009, 11:22 am
Last year and this year I have posted a short paragraph using each banished word or term. Perhaps some ambitious soul would do likewise to the first 32 lists. All put together there could be a beginning of a novel - maybe even a play or a movie! I’d suggest Garrison Keillor to have the leading role…
Sure, it would be random, but what could be more fun?
Comment from FFFFF
Time: January 8, 2009, 8:04 pm
I am disapointed at the lack of “RANDOM” and “XD”
Comment from Nwankama Nwankama
Time: January 8, 2009, 10:20 pm
Saying a “ton of” something implies a physical (tangible) thing that weighs one ton (or 2,000 pounds; 1 million grams or 1,000 KG; i.e., metric tons). I understand that when a lawyer or legal critic says a “ton of evidence”, he/she means weighty evidence. I can live with that, even though it is a grammatical nonsense. But, a ton of cash/ That is really pushing it too far. We hear this rubbish repeatedly in late-night “informercials.” If I may ask, “How much is a ton of cash?” Nwankama
Comment from gracem
Time: January 9, 2009, 12:17 am
“There’s always something.” - no, really?
Comment from Jason
Time: January 9, 2009, 2:23 pm
“First and foremost” — mean the same thing. If we can’t get rid of this phrase, let’s all start saying “First, foremost and primarily”
Comment from PapaBearFred
Time: January 9, 2009, 3:52 pm
Here is my contribution: Robust Pipeline. Other writers have already mentioned my two other candidates for the “banned list of words/phrases:” “moving forward” and “at the end of the day.” The following combination of phrases should result in the speaker’s immediate expulsion from the human race: “I know! Right?”
Comment from Libby Graham
Time: January 9, 2009, 4:02 pm
Under the political list could we please banish any word that politicians use to confuse the masses, such as “progress” or “political process”? I am so over the election and everyone making a big deal out of what politicians say when everyone knows that politicians speak purely out of their a***s and thier works mean nothing!
Comment from Robert
Time: January 9, 2009, 4:30 pm
Banning the term “iconic” makes so much sense. Adding the words “dominant” and “silhouette” wouldn’t hurt. H8 those. Ha! Words with an 8 in them could be in there, too.
Comment from Pete Scully
Time: January 9, 2009, 4:35 pm
The phrase “at the end of the day” needs to be replaced by another overused , less annoying one like “when all is said and done.” I heard someone use “at the end of the day” seven times in a short presentation. I felt like re-recording my voicemail greeting to say “I’m AT MY DESK and NOT ON THE PHONE at the moment” just to walk away from the pitch.
Comment from April
Time: January 9, 2009, 4:56 pm
I’m so sick of people saying “shut….UP!”. If you’re surprised or excited about something, say Wow, Oh my Gosh, No way, ANYTHING but shutup. When I have something exciting to tell someone, and they get excited and say “shut….UP!!!”. I do. And then I walk away.
Comment from Machael Artzen
Time: January 9, 2009, 5:14 pm
It would be nice to hear less of the word “great”. What happened to the following: “outstanding, fabulous, terrific, good, wonderful”, etc? Also, where did the long “e” go?Ex: “real deal” has become “rill dill” , and “feeling” is now “filling”. The list goes on, but what’s the use? Like the country, the language is falling apart……………Machael
Comment from j
Time: January 9, 2009, 5:29 pm
2 phrases have to go
1.) Breaking News. there is always news at 5PM and it is Breaking News that happened yesterday.
2.) get on the same page. WHY?
Comment from therese
Time: January 9, 2009, 6:08 pm
Please say “to” instead of “tah”..one of the worst offenders is President-Elect Obama….and it is all over political and news presentations. Another is “the” when it appears before a vowel…the proper pronounciation in that circumstance is “thee” as in “thee apple’, not the awkward “the appeal”.
Comment from bye
Time: January 9, 2009, 6:09 pm
They forgot the word “amazing”.
Comment from Jim
Time: January 9, 2009, 6:34 pm
Ban these also!.. “No-Brainer,” “24/7,” “multi-tasking”
Comment from mike mullett
Time: January 9, 2009, 6:34 pm
i agree with one person that says “basicially” should be added. It seems to be the most oversaid word i know.
It’s like saying someone”basicially” killed the guy, but he REALLY is dead!
Comment from Ryan S.
Time: January 9, 2009, 7:24 pm
My word is “nothing”. “What’cha doing?”:Nothing. “What do you want to talk about?”: Nothing. It’s just a crutch. An excuse, rather. It just says that there’s something, but I don’t want you to know. “Nothing” is a shield of styrofoam, not plexiglass; it works, but can be torn down and demolished by something stronger.
Pretty soon, “nothing” will be just ‘nothing’.
I’m pretty sure you can break plexiglass with a rock if you throw it hard enough. Also, some people actually mean “Nothing”. Just because your relationships fail because of you lack of communication skills doesnt mean the world thinks the way you do.
Comment from Rosemarie
Time: January 9, 2009, 8:07 pm
I’m sorry no one nominated “A bridge to nowhere.” Maybe next year.
Comment from Ben
Time: January 9, 2009, 9:41 pm
y didn’t “New York Time’s Best Seller” make it? i mean, seriously, there are about 1 million new york times bestsellers/authors!
Comment from Duane
Time: January 9, 2009, 11:58 pm
Banish the expression “diss” or “dissed” as in “She dissed her ex-husban.”
Also, the expression “called out” which I understand means ‘pulicly criticizing someone else.’
Comment from Duane
Time: January 10, 2009, 12:02 am
Corrected version
Banish the expression “diss” or “dissed” as in “She dissed her ex-husband.”
Also, the expression “called out” which I understand to mean
“publicly criticizing” another person.
Comment from Beau Zo
Time: January 10, 2009, 3:19 am
Banish “Wordplay,” the website above gave it a bad name.
Comment from claire Koppelman
Time: January 10, 2009, 10:48 am
And Also = we have Ms. Palin to thank for the creating the “worst use of the English Language” in the past year, but this one - wins the cake. It is and or also??
Comment from Anne
Time: January 10, 2009, 11:21 pm
I was sure ‘horrific’ would make the list. I’ll have to nominate it, I guess.
Comment from Mike
Time: January 11, 2009, 12:07 am
CHANGE: It used to mean making something different; after November it began to change into “same old, same old…”
Comment from JMT
Time: January 11, 2009, 10:29 am
I did not have a chance to read all the comments but it seems that people forgot to mention the phrase that now, everyone is using “AT THE END OF THE DAY” This was used to be “AT THE END..” For some unknown reason someone decided to add “the day” Just stop using it you TV people.
Comment from JH
Time: January 11, 2009, 10:43 am
How about:
“No question about it” (when responding to a question) or “It’s funny…” (before starting a boring monologue leading up to a question).
Comment from Leah
Time: January 11, 2009, 11:48 am
What about “Folks”? I’ve heard the Taliban and Al Quaida being referred to as “folks”!! Everyone is using “folks” these days and it drives me crazy! “Folks”, as I have known it, is a term referring to either one’s parents or to some group of people, like “country-folks” or “city folks”. It’s always been some sort of down-home word, not to be used to replace “people”.
Comment from ronald e. cohen
Time: January 11, 2009, 8:08 pm
Good list. Missing is “Beg the Question,” which has grown ubiquitous and which not only is tiresomely overfrequent, but also is ALWAYS USED INCORRECTLY. Ironically, the true meaning is the PRECISE OPPOSITE of what it sounds like — not to beg the question be asked, but to AVOID ANSWERING it.
Comment from ichorwhip
Time: January 11, 2009, 8:11 pm
I’m some color that used to mean jealous with envy that I didn’t come up with calling everything eco-friendly “green.”
Comment from John
Time: January 12, 2009, 7:58 am
Please consider adding the phrase “that being said” or “having said that” for next year’s list.
It’s completely ridiculous and I’m hearing it more and more.
Comment from Kim
Time: January 13, 2009, 9:57 pm
I, myself, would like to nominate the word “myself” for elimination. It is a perfectly good word, but so few people know how to use it correctly. If I hear one more person say, “If you have any questions, please see Karen or myself after the meeting,” I’m going to cry myself to sleep.
Comment from Tom
Time: January 14, 2009, 8:53 am
language has changed and evolved for years. Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss made up their own words and i don’t see you criticizing them for it. i think you should all suck it up and stop being little bitch-ass whiners about something that you can’t change.
Comment from D. Nicole
Time: January 14, 2009, 10:19 am
My nominations for banned words are as follows:
“Deets” used in place of Details
“Natch” used in place of Naturally
“To Boot” is place of “Also”, “As well as”, “too”, etc.
And I agree with banning the use of “Organic”, espicially in reference to anything that does not come from the earth. We already see enough of this labeling from retailers.
Comment from Kim
Time: January 14, 2009, 2:04 pm
Wow. Guys, LSSU isn’t actually banning these words. It’s a list done for fun. Its just a tradition done by the school every year. Of course you can still use them. When did LSSU say you couldn’t? I just think that it’s ridiculous that some people take this so seriously. It’s meant to be a fun list done with humor.
Comment from Dave
Time: January 14, 2009, 5:43 pm
The word “awesome” is the most overused in the language.
And sports lexicon needs to eliminate “score the basketball”. What else would they score with in basketball, a grapefruit?
Comment from Dave
Time: January 14, 2009, 5:56 pm
And a couple more:
Negative growth.
Ironic
Comment from Biff
Time: January 14, 2009, 8:40 pm
They should have added the terms “Global Warming,” “Climate Change,” and “Peak Oil” to that list.
Comment from illiniwatcher
Time: January 16, 2009, 12:30 pm
“The worst economic crisis since the Great Depression” or anything similar. The broadcast media will have that one worn out by spring.
Comment from Rob
Time: January 16, 2009, 8:05 pm
“Snarky” had better be on next year’s list!
Comment from Elise Hendrick
Time: January 18, 2009, 2:35 am
Another thing about this mawkish “Wall Street/Main Street” nonsense: I’ve been to a lot of places in this country, but I haven’t found a “Main Street” that was actually residential yet. What do I see in large numbers in Main Street? BRANCH OFFICES OF NATIONAL BANKS!
How about, instead of “Wall Street vs. Main Street”, we just say “The Top 5% vs. Everyone Else”. It admittedly doesn’t have the same rhythm, but at least it’s got the ring of truth.
Comment from JM
Time: January 19, 2009, 10:01 am
If you click on the link for Previous Lists on the top right of this page you can see all of the banished word lists back to 1976. They try not to repeat most of them (Awesome was an exception) … many of the ones listed in these comments have been on previous lists.
Comment from JM
Time: January 19, 2009, 10:07 am
Or even better, the complete list of words that they have ever banished is at http://www.lssu.edu/banished/complete_list.php
Comment from Duh Only
Time: January 19, 2009, 11:57 am
Great List! Made me smile this morning.
Comment from Bill Greene
Time: January 20, 2009, 7:24 pm
My favorite word(s) for banishment are bandwidth, and its first cousin, broadband. Dictionary definitions for these words may be too arcane for most folks to cringe over, but for an engineering-type person, their current use drives me nuts!
I have no idea what people mean when they say bandwidth or broadband nowadays; people who utter these words certainly don’t understand what they mean relative to physics.
Comment from SMMT
Time: January 21, 2009, 1:43 am
BAN: I beg to differ!
Well quit begging!!! What are you a puppy???
Comment from Rob Payne
Time: January 21, 2009, 1:51 pm
Just heard a politician talking on the radio. He was intent on us knowing that his government would be ‘moving forward’ with their agenda.
For us to be constantly ‘clobbered’ with the fact that everyone is ‘moving forward’, it’s amazing how little seems to be getting done in Canadian politics these days !
Fun idea ! Thanks for inviting other options.
Comment from Kevin Mast
Time: January 23, 2009, 11:06 am
Great list! I did not see it yet but I would like to propose “shovel-ready” be added for next year.
Comment from bone
Time: January 26, 2009, 5:18 pm
Though this is obviously done as a joke, your list is stupid. Most of these words/phrases are very useful. And many of them aren’t even overused.
Comment from Richard Brown
Time: January 27, 2009, 8:29 pm
My English ability is limited but I do agree on the list. Green has become like Organic, both are meaningless.
Change should be banned for overuse and misuse. I may be functionally illiterate at one time but I knew the word change needs an object. I want to change the color or change a light bulb but never use Change without an object.
A suggestion for next year: the word Stimulus or Stimulus package.
Comment from hthrthrthrth
Time: January 30, 2009, 4:38 pm
I hate it when they say: “THIS administration” “THIS congress”
They do it a lot on CNN, especially the “hear-attack waiting to happen” reporter/talkers like Lou Dobbs.
Comment from Tony
Time: February 8, 2009, 1:34 am
Closure. Just because the body has been found, the murderer sentenced, the crime solved or the criminal arrested, it odes not end the matter for those involved. But before long someone will be on television claiming ‘this has brought closure’ for the relatives, friends etc.
Comment from Eva Barnett
Time: February 10, 2009, 10:35 am
“Seachange” is a fine word, but it’s overused by news hacks who want to appear poetic. I’ve seen it everywhere, but I’ve included a link to a VOD/IPTV company named SeaChange.
Comment from Kyle
Time: February 12, 2009, 10:34 am
People who actually say text shorthand, such as “IDK” for “I don’t know” or “OMG!” Just stupid.
Comment from ToddW
Time: February 13, 2009, 10:13 am
Anything with a Tw prefix. Thanks to overly zealous Twitter users, I have to read words like twestival. Stop it!!! It’s stupid.
Comment from ToddW
Time: February 13, 2009, 10:16 am
Piggy-backing on Eva Barnett’s comment about “seachange” (which, I agree with), I’ve grown exceedingly tired of news hacks using the phrase “on the ground.” That tired, meaningless phrase can’t event masquerade as poetic like seachange.
Comment from Ken S.
Time: February 17, 2009, 6:43 pm
Two words being overused ad naseum regarding the financial crisis are:
Massive
Slash
Comment from michael glenn
Time: February 18, 2009, 12:55 pm
Actually ACTUALLY seems to be used as a substitute for ‘duh’ or ‘uh’
it is ubiquitous in every day converstion, local news broadcasts.Used as a beginning of a sentencce or as a pause or to ‘clarify’ the obvious.
Like the famous 1970’s Chicken Man: it’s’ everywhere, its everywhere !
Comment from Michael S.
Time: February 19, 2009, 12:20 pm
ditto.
“on the ground” makes me wanna’ puke!
Comment from STR
Time: February 25, 2009, 1:45 pm
I resent how people think the GREEN movement is all new and they thought of it. Gen Xers/Millenials act like they thought up the idea to save the earth and call it “green.” Ridiculous.
Comment from Calvin
Time: February 28, 2009, 2:51 pm
Well, in relation to the economic slump, the word “recessionista” needs to go. We don’t need a slang term for what is really nothing more than just the typical frugal shopper and/or member of the “Value Village crowd”.
In computing terms, Web 2.0 and Cloud Computing have to go. They’re really just fancy names for something that’s pretty much existed as long as the internet itself and hence, not necessary.
Comment from Bill
Time: March 1, 2009, 1:57 pm
I’d like to see ‘Stimulus’ thrown on the trash heap. Once upon a time ‘Stimulus’ was linked with sex and not some pie-in-the-sky economic boondoggle.
Comment from Sault native
Time: March 1, 2009, 6:46 pm
Perhaps you’ve banned it in prior years, but “jumped the shark” has got to go! Whatever its metaphorical usage might once have been, it’s long since past time to forget it.
I cringe every time I hear some DC pundit, very wrongly thinking himself insightful, uses it.
Comment from Darlene Stokes
Time: March 12, 2009, 1:56 pm
You Betcha!
Comment from John
Time: March 15, 2009, 10:32 pm
Buzzword - Should it get me intoxicated?
Comment from Minneapolis Mortgage
Time: March 20, 2009, 4:03 pm
“The worst economic crisis since the Great Depression” or anything similar. The broadcast media will have that one worn out by spring.
Comment from Bill
Time: March 22, 2009, 9:21 pm
“fricken”, please offer help here.
Comment from DCer
Time: March 23, 2009, 11:21 am
“Toxic Asset”
PLEASE add this to your list. The phrase, while colorfully descriptive of bad loans, is so overused as to obscure what is being talked about. You would think “Toxic Asset” is an accounting term! Is creative poverty so rampant among business reporting that we must be subjected to this phrase [and only this phrase] ad nauseum?
Comment from Elizabeth Burrows
Time: March 25, 2009, 12:16 pm
Please add the word “luxe” to the list. Is it short for deluxe or luxury? Suddenly everything in mail order clothing catalogues is described as “luxe”. I think it’s supposed to set something apart, as though it’s better than others, but if everything is “luxe” it defeats the purpose.
Comment from Jerome Goodley
Time: March 28, 2009, 8:53 am
If you have not added the word “actually” to your list I actually think you actually should because “actually” is actually overused, especially if you actually watch newscasters who are actually on site where crimes actually happened.
Comment from Rose Roberts
Time: March 30, 2009, 8:13 pm
I think it’s funny how “going green” is on the list and our college is now “going green,” kind of ironic…and hypocritical
Comment from Arnold
Time: April 1, 2009, 10:55 pm
“Octomom” needs to be banished please! It got old a week after it was coined.
Comment from dlp
Time: April 8, 2009, 11:05 am
“Modern”, is another word that needs to go on this list. Has just about every interior magazine for the last few years had a cover stating, ” America Goes Modern?” It’s like a new hit song played on the radio every 1/2 hour until it creates a permanent furrow in your brain. It’s just like they have done with the word, “green.” The media seems to beat a dead horse until all the intrigue or value is mush.
Comment from Kathlyn
Time: April 15, 2009, 11:41 am
Please add these three:
Journey
Celebrate
Passion
No one should be on a journey except a world explorer, no one should celebrate anything but holidays and if I hear one more person talk about following their passion, I will puke.
These words used to mean something. Too bad they became buzz words.
Comment from Audrey
Time: April 17, 2009, 12:27 am
Am I the only one who feels that the words “amazing” and “awesome” should be banished forever and ever??
Comment from Jennifer
Time: April 28, 2009, 8:33 am
1) I agree with Kim; the improper use of “myself” is maddening.
2) I also would like to see less of “sort of” and “kind of” when used in the following manner: That is definitely sort of a deal breaker.
3) Why must people use a person’s name as a category? I wouldn’t mind if I never heard this again: You’ve got your John Does and your Jane Smiths.
Comment from Seán
Time: May 1, 2009, 5:24 am
Why do’t you provincial hillbillies just stop with your ridiculous attempts to control that which you cannot control. It just makes you look like redneck republican fools.
Comment from Rick Evans
Time: May 4, 2009, 5:33 am
Please lose “sort of” a much overused piece of filler by journalists and pundits to signal weaselly language.
Comment from Rick Evans
Time: May 4, 2009, 6:43 am
.. also lose “So, …” the starter word as signal to ‘Listen to me’ or by scientists and geeks trying to sound like other scientists and geeks.
Comment from Stephen Levitas
Time: May 12, 2009, 4:07 pm
I can’t stand office documents where “-related” is appended to a noun. Why do we need to say “construction-related costs” when “construction costs” will do?
Comment from Katrina S.
Time: May 18, 2009, 2:55 am
First: “Whatever happened to Freedom of Speech”- Stupid, are you? No one is really banning these words, only the way they’re being used today. It’s simply vulgar. They want to ‘literally’ ban their meanings (NOT the words); however, annoyingly over-used and grossly misused words will not be ‘actually’ banned. Their stubborn use only means you’re more illiterate than the others.
Second: The aim of this list and your input is to bring back good English. You don’t need to have an ‘awesome’ lexicon. You can continue using short sentences and small words as far as you they’re being used at the correct time in the appropriate context. It’s not about rigour; words have roots, and to change their meaning is simply stupid and makes the language very complicated. Use new words, or stick to the old words (Hint: Eco-friendly/Environmental-friendly). Also, maverick DOES NOT mean mad, it means independent in behaviour and thought. Fact of the day: Green products are green in colour. Green in my language also means black and/or smelly. Green also means you’re going to ‘puke’. Puke: A word that dates back to the 15th century (Thanks to Shakespeare).
Third: Check a dictionary before using a word, for crying out loud. Don’t learn new words, learn old words.
Fourth: Cool means ‘not hot’. Full Stop.
Fifth: Awesome means that which inspires awe, amazement, excitement and wonder. Nature, the Universe, love, sex and technology are awesome in the sense that they inspire amazement and wonder. It doesn’t mean they’re ‘cool’. TRY replacing cool with “BLOODY BRILLIANT!” (Brilliant: Of surpassing excellence; characterised by grandeur; having striking colour; full of light; clear and sharp ringing)
Sixth: “She was like what are you doing?”: ‘Street lingo’ can go to hell! That does NOT make sense. It’s simpler to say: “She said, ‘What are you doing?’ The latter uses less letters. Spoken English is acceptable, but this is pure non-sense.
Seventh: Know your adverbs. No! Wait! Know what an adverb is, in the first place. Adverbs modify VERBS and CLAUSES, not nouns. To say that you feel badly means your sense organs are malfunctioning; you should immediately see a doctor. Badly, loosely, nicely, horrifyingly, painfully, grossly & etc are all ADVERBS. If you’re guilty of a crime, then you feel bad about it, not badly. You can argue all you want, but adhering to one rule (Adverbs= Verb/Clause Modifier) is simple.
Eighth: IInd does not make sense. It’s either II or 2nd.
Ninth: “Run so you get there quickly” is correct. “Run SO THAT you get there quickly” is NOT.
Tenth: There’s nothing wrong with using shortened versions of words. I just think they shouldn’t be used in news channels, schools, work places and in print. There are two types of languages: Spoken and written or informal and formal. People should know the difference between them; however, people should learn correct grammar too.
I am not a grammarian or better at English than some, but if you’re too stupid or arrogant to use correct words in grammatically correct sentences whether long or short, then don’t stop other institutions from making people do so.
Comment from Nana Lenore
Time: May 26, 2009, 8:57 am
“Staycation” I first heard this word on the Canadian TV show “Corner Gas” which is the wonderful Canadian “show about nothing.” They did a whole episode on it. Unfortunately, staycation is all what too many people are going to be able to afford, to say nothing of those who are involuntarily ’staycationed’ out of the job market.
Comment from kathryn metz
Time: May 28, 2009, 8:37 am
Where’s “Stimulus Package”? Everything and everyone seems to get a “Stimulus” except for those who have worked hard enough to put themselves in a decent position in life, buying their homes without ever being late on a payment, and not getting a cut of the deal. So what is the deal with “Stimulus Package”?
Comment from AguaCaliente
Time: May 28, 2009, 4:23 pm
AMAZING.
Now applied to everything that is thought to exceed even the the most minimal of standards.
Anyone using this word should have their jaws wired or their lips sealed with Super Glue.
Comment from Max
Time: May 30, 2009, 11:12 pm
From this very website: “LSSU students choose from a blend of liberal and technical studies in more than 45 areas.”
Shouldn’t students be choosing a blend at Starbuck’s or the student union? Coffee is blended. College majors, “not so much”
Comment from Steven Beam
Time: June 1, 2009, 1:25 pm
1. “Smash mouth football”
2. “getting back to the basics or fundamentals”
3. “It’s a day of profit taking” CNBC lose it please. I think we can see what it is when the market drops 400 points.
I love this post!
Comment from nicro
Time: June 4, 2009, 9:15 am
I think that all of these people need to “get a life”. I mean come on folks. Banning words? Seriously? I mean its one thing if you ban curse words or something like that, but words that have no offense, that is ridiculous. The word “monkey”? Really people? Its a type of animal. One that is loved by many kids. Of course its used often. I could rant on and on but I’ll stop. Hopefully I’ve made my point.
Comment from Ron
Time: June 5, 2009, 3:31 am
[i]Why do we need to say “construction-related costs” when “construction costs” will do?[/i]
Because they are not direct costs of construction, they are costs *related* to construction.
Comment from Jim Carroll
Time: June 7, 2009, 10:44 pm
“Not a big fan of…”
Why not just say you “dislike” non-Euclidian slam polka dancing instead of saying “I’m not a big fan of non-Euclidian slam polka…”
Comment from Larry
Time: June 14, 2009, 12:41 pm
I am sick of hearing about the “stimulus package” and “toxic assets” and “bailouts,” can’t take another utterance regarding “pain at the pump,” and will vomit the next time I hear a politician use the Obamaphrase “Let’s be clear” or tout his or her record of “fiscal responsibility and accountability.” In fact, I loathe all publicspeak that slings words such as “accountability” and “transparency,” as the casters of these terms rarely mean what they say, especially as it relates to their own pet projects and personal interests.
Comment from Dean Lampman
Time: June 28, 2009, 8:51 am
As a communications professional, I applaud the good folks at Lake Superior State University (where it’s ALWAYS COLD) for their valuable service in producing their 34th annual “List of Words to Be Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness.” I want to assure you that while I do indeed cheer for the Dallas Mavericks (painful though that sometimes is), I don’t vote for politicians, especially any “monkey” seeking to be our “first dude,” merely because (s)he claims to be a “maverick.” I’m also not “green” and never have been. It isn’t easy being green, I’ve heard, and I’m interested “not so much” in the size of my “carbon footprint,” or yours, for that matter, because it’s just not a “game changer” to me. In fact, I think “staycations” suck and because “it’s that time of year again” and I have a real heart (not
Comment from Dale
Time: July 3, 2009, 1:24 am
Icon. This word pops up quite a bit. That’s fine. But, just a few moments ago, I read the word icon for the too many-th time, and I snapped. Now, I want icon, gone.
Comment from John Mitchel
Time: July 9, 2009, 9:09 am
A list, that perhaps you’ve dealt with previously, of annoying but popular word usage: Pushback = resistance; Up-tick = increase; Pull-back = reduction; Traction = attention; Not within my pay grade = I have no authority, I have no opinion, I don’t know, I’m too lazy to think; Outside the box = creative; At the end of the day = ultimately; Back in the day = in the past, sometime, but not specifically. Is there a course in journalism schools about using, and repeating, these terms over and over? Not that language should stagnate, but these popular, “cool” idioms do not improve communication.
Comment from Tom
Time: July 9, 2009, 3:31 pm
If I never hear the word “Extraordinary” again I will be pleased.
Obama can’t go a paragraph without it, and now the press and the talking heads have picked up on it as well.
By definition, very few things in life are actually extraordinary, and its use as a modifier has drained it of all usefullness.
Comment from Christine
Time: July 11, 2009, 2:20 am
What about BFF? I can’t stand it. Agree with most of the rest. Also mancation, metrosexual, shovel-ready, change agent, random, sweet, and many more.
Comment from Lon C Ponschock
Time: July 13, 2009, 11:14 am
After reading a few months of these comments and having been a fad of the list for years, I noticed that wanting to puke has been the most repeated reaction to offensive speech.
When I hear the word “basically” it’s like being tased. I turn off whoever says it or writes it in communication. And I don’t turn it off figuratively, I turn it off literally. TV, books, blogs, everywhere.
Please join my campaign to eliminate the tedious use of the word ‘basically.’
Here is the reasoning:
The word “basically” is an overused verbal tic which demeans and condescends to the listener. It is at the same time a way for the speaker to inflate his own self esteem by flogging and repeating words that appear to emphasize personal knowledge.
It is a fault which has become, I fear, some sort of custom or accepted trope of the meritocracy.
This word has been on the list for years, I know. The fight to have it banned goes on.
Comment from Marv Atkins
Time: July 21, 2009, 1:08 pm
In regard to “Iconic”– A neat column from the Wall Street Journal:
OPINIONJULY 20, 2009
Icons Aren’t What They Used to Be
Journalists find another word to abuse.
By JOE QUEENAN
Right after Roger Federer won his 15th Grand Slam at Wimbledon this month, Pete Sampras declared, “The guy is a legend; now he’s an icon.” In his eyes, this was a status upgrade. Shortly after that, In Touch magazine referred to both Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett as felled icons. PeopleandTime chimed in. None of the big guns seemed prepared to award Ed McMahon official iconic status, but loads of other smaller media outlets did.
Other icons were on the way. Karl Malden, star of both “On the Waterfront” and “The Streets of San Francisco,” was widely described as a screen and a television icon. Last week, Drake Levin of the harmless ’60s pop combo Paul Revere & the Raiders passed away. Sure enough, reports immediately came in that a guitar icon from an iconic group was no longer here to be iconographic.
Icons are increasingly hard to avoid. Last month I attended a funeral at which a mourner referred to the deceased as a local icon. While visiting Dublin in June, I found myself dining with a Scottish author of terrifying murder mysteries who described herself as “an international cultural icon.” I also read in the press that McDonald’s was an iconic franchise. Then I got an email announcing that Creative Artists Agency had just added Greg Norman to its roster of clients. That is, Greg Norman, “international golf icon.”
The term “icon” has two basic meanings, neither of which apply to Michael Jackson, Greg Norman, Ed McMahon, most Scottish mystery writers or anyone from Paul Revere & the Raiders. Originally it referred to sacred images painted on tiny wooden panels back in the days of the Eastern Empire. Thus, in theory, Farrah Fawcett’s famous ’70s poster could vaguely qualify as an icon. But for the longest time the word “icon” was used to refer to what Webster’s describes as “an object of uncritical devotion.” No more. Today it is used to describe anyone reasonably famous who is completely over the hill, on a respirator, or stone dead. Or, in the case of Mickey D’s, beloved but inanimate.
For a number of reasons, the term “icon” cannot be used the way it is currently being tossed about. If your nickname is Wacko Jacko, if you have forked over tens of millions of dollars to settle lawsuits in which you were accused of child abuse, the term “icon” is probably not le mot juste. “Iconic” carries with it a subtext of moral elegance. It is not interchangeable with “famous” or “powerful” or even “brilliant.” This is why Henry VIII, Attila the Hun, Oliver Cromwell and Satan are rarely described as “iconic.” They were interesting chaps, they put a lot of points on the scoreboard, and they changed the world forever. But iconic? No.
To qualify as an iconic sportsman, you have to be a persistent winner. Greg Norman — one of the most prodigious choke artists in history, most famous for blowing a five-stroke final-round lead in the 1996 Masters — doesn’t qualify. Alone among these athletes Federer can legitimately be described as an icon. But if Federer was, as Sampras seems to believe, already a legend, why would he then want to be an icon? Being a legend gives you an aura of romance and mystery like Satchel Paige or Jack Dempsey; being an icon simply puts you in the same weight class as a guitarist from Paul Revere & the Raiders. It’s like being a sun and then getting recategorized as a moon. It’s a downgrade.
The word “icon” has now replaced “superstar” whenever someone wants to describe a talented person who died too soon. But even here it is used incorrectly. Drake Levin was never sufficiently famous to be described as a star or a superstar, much less an icon or a legend. He was never a household name like Walter Cronkite, an obvious, indisputable icon. Being a has-been doesn’t make you an icon or a legend; it makes you Drake Levin.
This is just another case of hyperventilating journalists hijacking an otherwise admirable language because they are desperate to insert an infectious banality into their work and don’t care if it belongs there. There is no such thing as “the mother of all stimulus packages.” One cannot go in search of the Holy Grail of killer apps for the iPhone. The English language doesn’t work that way. It’s flexible, but it’s not stupid.
Mr. Queenan is the author of numerous books, most recently the memoir “Closing Time” (Viking, 2009).
Comment from Rich
Time: July 21, 2009, 9:05 pm
Anybody tired of “academic excellence”? Seems to me most colleges that use the term don’t have any semblance of it.
Comment from frogprof
Time: July 22, 2009, 10:37 am
You left out “moving forward” — which seems to serve as what my father used to call a “verbalized pause.” It appears to refer to the future of whatever is being discussed, but it is so trite and cliché that it makes me want to scream every time I hear it.
And what about the past participle being used in place of the perfect tense these days [e.g., “The ship sunk in the harbor”]? Does NO ONE learn grammar anymore?!
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