Comment from Tina Mailhiot
Time: December 31, 2006, 8:05 pm

I have a few. How about the new meteorologist phrases, such as “tordanic activity”, “winter event”, and “blustery”. Whatever happened to tornado, snow storm and wind? Also, per my husband leaning over my shoulder, “Don’t forget ‘Hunker down.’

Comment from Ernest Theisen
Time: December 31, 2006, 8:25 pm

Banish “Cool” In my family there is only one adjative for everything, “Cool” Cool was a discriptor for West Coast Jazz. June Christy personified it.

Comment from Fergie
Time: December 31, 2006, 8:40 pm

Would it be possible to add “pimp”? As in “pimp your grill”? And one other suggestion, EBay. Please, it’s beyond annoying. EBay.

Comment from Denise
Time: December 31, 2006, 8:48 pm

I cannot stand architecture magazines that use the word “McMansion”. Please get them to stop!

Comment from Roland Oh
Time: December 31, 2006, 8:59 pm

Can we ban stupid phrases too?
I hereby announce, declare, and decree, that it is effective immediately, The End Of The Day!

“At the end of the day”

Has had its day!

Comment from sean
Time: December 31, 2006, 9:15 pm

ok.. the word “crunk” has to go… it has a southern hip-hop origin..meaning crazy & drunk…lame, and out-dated…

Comment from don ross
Time: December 31, 2006, 9:37 pm

“the late, great” so-in-so. again this a lack of thinking and originality on the part of a reporter indicating someone has passed away.

Comment from Peter McLean
Time: December 31, 2006, 9:39 pm

“Non-Life threatening”. The victim could be a quadriplegic or a brain dead vegetable, but his injuries are “non-life threatening.

“Seek Counseling”. Used by advice columnists and talk show celebrities under the advice of their lawyers.

Comment from don ross
Time: December 31, 2006, 9:42 pm

how about “slam-dunk” for something that’s a “no brainer” or a cinch. going along with more - what about “that’s a plan” or “it’s a plan” indicating affirmative to some suggested even.

Comment from Wayne Hunt
Time: December 31, 2006, 9:45 pm

Talking head Politicians who say “At the end of the day” or “the truth of the matter is” are so pathetic.

Comment from Linda
Time: December 31, 2006, 9:49 pm

The expressions I would most like to see altered, eliminated, varied or whatever generally concern the news media–things like: “went terribly wrong,” “sat down with,” and “caught up with.” Why do all the writers on all the networks use the same expressions when there are so many ways to say the same thing that would probably catch more interest just ecause they are so “cliche?”
LH

Comment from Terry H. Parker
Time: December 31, 2006, 9:54 pm

I’m surprised CONUNDRUM wasn’t added this year. The much abused word was used by the news media ad-nausium. Even when it was first used it sounded like a word people were told to use or that it was the current ‘it’ word.

What was wrong with using dilemma?

1. a riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words, as What is black and white and read all over? A newspaper.
2. anything that puzzles.

[Origin: 1590–1600; pseudo-L word of obscure orig.]

Comment from Charla
Time: December 31, 2006, 10:08 pm

Dude! I am so tired of hearing people use that word.

Comment from Chris Hughes
Time: December 31, 2006, 10:21 pm

We need to banish the phrase “googleit” I am so tired of hearing this worn out phrase. Also ebay has ruined the word “it” . You can’t buy everything on ebay as they claim. So “it” may or may not be there. Ebay has banned so many things from being sold I don’t see how they can claim it is on ebay. IT is idiotic or maybe itiotic.

Comment from Kimberly S. Shaw
Time: December 31, 2006, 10:23 pm

“DUDE” Please banish this word I am a 42 yr. old woman and a mother of 2 and extremely girly and feminine if I do say so myself, and if I hear “DUDE” followed by any sentence referring to what I will, won’t, or can’t believe or have no idea about, ie:dude you won’t believe what I just saw! directed at me I think I’ll explode into a big pink puddle!

Comment from John Griffin
Time: December 31, 2006, 10:30 pm

Please help in the effort to make people realize that “where at” is not correct English. Ignoring the fact that such usage ends a sentence with a preposition, a practice even the OED finds useful; it is redundant. “Where,” by itself expresses everything necessary about location in most sentences. When I am asked, “Where is it at?” I always try to answer, “The name of the place is I like it like that.”

Comment from Charley Francis
Time: December 31, 2006, 10:33 pm

“In Harms Way”

Comment from Bruce Tandy
Time: December 31, 2006, 11:02 pm

I have always hated the phrase - still used today in this “progressive society” - “CONFINED to a wheelchair” - as though I, being someone who is unable to walk and USES a wheelchair 24/7, have a NUT AND BOLT STUCK UP MY @$$ and literally cannot get out of my chair….I can and DO get out of my chair from time to time - to sleep, to swim, to bathe, etc….and sometimes even because I feel like sitting on a couch.

Comment from rudy cornejo
Time: December 31, 2006, 11:03 pm

I wish the TV news media and Hollywood would stop using phrases and words like like, ‘Oh!…My God!’
‘Ohmygod!’ ‘Oh….my…God!’ ‘Whatever’ ‘Let’s do this!’ ‘Boobies’ ‘You have no idea’ ‘vic’ (as in victim) ‘congrats’ ‘later’ ‘I’m outta here’ ‘temps’ ‘precip’ (just say RAIN for Christ’s sake!!) Doppler THIS, Doppler THAT! (Shut up already!)
All the anchor news people kissing eachother’s butt in shameless plugs! They’d leave in a heartbeat for another station if the price is right! And who the hell are they talking to when they’re given these stupid interviews? Who’s interviewing them? Their bosses? They’re certainly not looking into the camera lens at US, the viewer!! So with no eye to eye contact, it comes off as being insincere and PHONY!! What do they have, a gun pointed to their heads?? “…Make sure you SMILE and look like you’re having a great time with eachother. Now FROWN and look serious and professional with all the bad news. You better say the right thing or we’ll fire you! Now let’s see if the stupid public will buy this and watch US more, over the other stations!
(sung to the song)… Manipulate, manipulot, manipulo, manipuLIE!!! Here we go again until a new contract is renewed! BS, BS, vanity’s the game…

Comment from Thomas Archer
Time: December 31, 2006, 11:06 pm

How about the word “handcrafted”? This word seems to be creeping up everywhere - commercials for wine (Turning Leaf) and even hamburgers (Ruby Tuesdays)….
Thanks!

Comment from Peter Comeau
Time: December 31, 2006, 11:13 pm

Talk about over used phrases - if I hear one more news person tease an upcoming story with “…and you won’t believe..”. There is very little I won’t believe these days and RARELY is it anything with that lead in!

Comment from Tim Parker
Time: December 31, 2006, 11:21 pm

please banish “having said that” - I know it isn’t a word but the phrase is so overused it makes me want to …… well, get sick. It also is mis-used. It should be “that said” but does it really matter?

Thanks for the list.
Happy New Year!

Comment from Mal Greenfield
Time: December 31, 2006, 11:24 pm

GITMO existed from about an hour after the base was established. It is NOT a new word and hundreds of thousands of military active duty, discharged, retired, or inactive personnel have used this “alias” or “nickname” for almost 100 years. Banish the uneducated or never-served PFC(poor F……civilian) writer who proposed GITMO for the list.

Comment from Lori Price
Time: January 1, 2007, 12:57 am

The word ‘president,’ when it precedes George W. Bush’s name. Bush was selected, not elected in two GOP coup d’etats. Moreover, we’re essentially living under Cheney Halliburton’s dictatorship.
Cheers,

Lori Price
Citizens for Legitimate Government
http://www.legitgov.org/

Comment from ELF
Time: January 1, 2007, 12:58 am

Let’s get rid of “highly qualified” teacher. A teacher who is credentialled is enough.

Comment from Alycia Keating
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:00 am

Please make the news media stop using the word “devastated.” It’s been so overused it has no impact. The media use it for everything from a reaction to being served divorce papers to the destruction of an entire town from a natural disaster.

Comment from Wayne Van Sickle
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:05 am

Please add the misuse and overuse of the unfortunate ‘ (apostrophe) that have led us further into the muddling of the English language.

Comment from Jan
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:11 am

I like “tornadic” - it sounds “cool”

Comment from Susan Drake
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:12 am

To use the word “correct” in conjunction with “politicallY” is the sappiest thing I’ve ever heard. Must mean “lies”.

Comment from ELF
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:17 am

If a teacher has gone the extra mile to become credentialled beyond his/her degrees, and is, of necessity and by mandate, required to undertake ongoing professional development studies (as are those in the medical and accounting professions), as a matter of course and of professional mandate ongoing, why put “highly qualified” as a (purported) additional status (when there is none), when being a teacher automatically requires that the individual continue his/her education for as long as he/she draws breath and/or enters a classroom? The verbiage of the NCLB is designed to disparage the teaching profession: Its failure to cope with reality is apparent on the school districts’ “bottom lines” where money is still not forthcoming; many school districts have shouldered the burden of change without a penny from the NCLB, to date. Do we have to follow the ignorance and irrational constructs of our Congress, with its failure to understand education, the processes of human learning, and its abysmally ignorant pursuit of a “fall guy” on which to blame America’s shortsighted views of learning, or can we get on with the business of educating ourselves and our progeny, for the betterment of our nation and humanity, without the political nonsense included in this slanderous and unjustifiable rhetoric?

Comment from Allie
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:26 am

Hot-If certain clothes are in, they’re “hot”. If a celebrity couple is getting a lot of attention, then they are “hot”. If someone is good-looking, that makes them “hot”. The word is overused, not to mention meaningless.
-Allison in Ann Arbor, MI

Comment from Linda
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:36 am

Arguably has inarguably become the most overused and most annoying word in the English language, especially in sports. If a guy is a great quarterback, he’s a great quarterback. If it’s open to dispute, why call him a great quarterback in the first place?

Comment from Robert
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:52 am

Please let’s ask people not to substitute the phrase “really quick” for please anymore. Isn’t it more efficient and more polite just to say please. e.g. You are in line at check out and the overly pierced cashier asks “can I see your ID really quick?” This is and continues to be a major peave of mine. I find it is everywhere.

Comment from Sally Jo Davis
Time: January 1, 2007, 2:05 am

Basically, it’s the word -basically- I detest its overuse and misuse.

Comment from Marston Gould
Time: January 1, 2007, 2:15 am

I can’t believe everyone missed the most over used phrase of popular culture today: “Make no mistake- ” However, since everyone knows the old adage - “Learn from your mistakes” - a culture that makes no mistakes obviously never learns.

Comment from Ken LaPoint
Time: January 1, 2007, 2:44 am

I’m very tired of hearing reporters say, “Here are the stories we’re ‘working on’ for the news at 6.. it’s almost like they making the news up..

Comment from Jan McBride
Time: January 1, 2007, 2:56 am

Everything was “artisan” in ‘06, including pizza. Even worse were items like cheese that were “artisanal”. Does one ‘cut the cheese’ via the artisanal route?

Comment from Edward E. Sherbeyn
Time: January 1, 2007, 3:07 am

When a news anchor sitting in the studio poses a question to a reporter in the field, the first word of the response is “Absolutely!”. Wouldn’t a simple “yes” or “no” work? Actually, don’t even need those either. Just answer the question!

Comment from NightHawk
Time: January 1, 2007, 3:33 am

I’m Passionate About - ever since Steve Erwin uttered that phrase everyone from Infomericals to Politicans have overused it.

Fusion - everyone is making fusion food

Hon - I am tired of people I don’t know calling me Hon, especially store clerks/associates

Happy Holidays - the event is Christmas, that is what we celebrate, the birth of Jesus.

Comment from NightHawk
Time: January 1, 2007, 3:37 am

reverse morgage - yeah you have money now but you can’t leave the home to leave your love ones. Who ever lent you the money owns the house and you still have pay property taxes

Comment from Jeanie Killion
Time: January 1, 2007, 4:28 am

How about NUCULAR? It is supposed to be the same as nuclear but for some reason, even supposedly educated newscasters and political leaders often pronounce it incorrectly!

Comment from David L. Camp
Time: January 1, 2007, 4:38 am

For the most part I agree. Who are these asinine “euphemidiots’ who are euphemizing the English language with such impunity and redundancy?

Comment from John C
Time: January 1, 2007, 5:52 am

How about BLING. If it has been abandoned, aborted, etc… then sorry for the input.

Comment from bill
Time: January 1, 2007, 6:02 am

“We have got for you.”

Comment from Joe Ybarra
Time: January 1, 2007, 6:29 am

If we were to banish “like”, most americans would be mutes. The word like is so over used that we have become a scociety prone to examplism “like”, you know”? My question is how many “likes” equal a “for real”

Comment from jean pritchard
Time: January 1, 2007, 7:19 am

BASICALLY. Basically, if basically were basically removed from a conversation it wouldn’t basically make any basic difference, actually.

Comment from Retired teacher
Time: January 1, 2007, 7:48 am

Who banished the word “from” by mistake?Everytime I hear “graduated college”, I wonder what became of the intransitive verb.

Comment from Greg Looney
Time: January 1, 2007, 7:53 am

This is more of a phrase. I am so tired of hearing ” see what I mean “. As if I couldnt hear them, now I have to see what they mean instead of understand what they mean.

Comment from Greg Looney
Time: January 1, 2007, 7:56 am

“My bad” is one I would love to see gone from the english language.

Comment from Walt Fiedler
Time: January 1, 2007, 8:00 am

BLOG: When did we all start blogging? Especially tv people who state that they were blogging about something just the other day. This word needs to go.

Comment from Hank
Time: January 1, 2007, 8:07 am

Banish “EXCLUSIVE” from all news programs. What was once a word that truly indicated that you were the only one with the scoop on a news story is now misused. What’s so exclusive about Katie Couric interviewing Bill Clinton in 2006 during her evening news program? Some other news outlet just interviewed him 2 weeks before! I’ve seen ABC say they had an exclusive report on a story during the evening news - yet the exact same report was on CBS and NBC during the very same night!

Do people not know what “exclusive” means? Why is it that Entertainment Tonight always seems to think its audience does not understand english? For example, “Tonight, a world exclusive - and only Entertainment Tonight has it! No one else has in the world has it and you’ll only see it on Entertainment tonight!” Uh… when you told me you had an exclusive, I was about to turn to Extra to see if they had the scoop!

Comment from Henry Ditmar
Time: January 1, 2007, 8:13 am

I noticed this was a 2006 word but,
I was wondering where does one buy a “Holiday Tree”
I looked all over for one in the Grand Rapids area and could find one to purchase, settled for a Chritmas Tree again

Comment from carolyn boersma
Time: January 1, 2007, 8:20 am

Where is Stay the Course”….. that was totally done to death!

Comment from Paul Blauer
Time: January 1, 2007, 8:50 am

You’ve got a good list here, but at the end of the day, it seems you omitted “at the end of the day” again. I hear this phrase constantly, from news broadcasters, sports types, businesses, the education world and anywhere else you can think of. If one can say “Eat your beans and you’ll be healthy”, or, “Eat your beans, and at the end of the day, you’ll be healthy”, at the end of the day, you’ll be glad to say “at the end of the day” again. It’s superfluous, and at the end of the day, there’s way too much superfluity.
I disagree with your selection of “truthiness”, but otherwise you’ve been doing a great job.

Comment from greg lamb
Time: January 1, 2007, 9:02 am

“As well” is the most over-used phrase in the English language. Newscasters are the most guilty. Ever hear anyone say “and as well”? Is that not redundant? I hate “as well” Banish it, please.

Comment from S Grimsic
Time: January 1, 2007, 9:06 am

Our local newspaper, when reporting criminal offenses, refers to the malicious wrong-doers, as actors. Ex:’ The actors fled the scene after making out with $4,000.00 in stolen property and pushing down an employee of the store’. Was it a stage production or a cirminal act? I think we need a new editor & possibly, a grammar coach!

Comment from Julie Nelson
Time: January 1, 2007, 9:44 am

“Biggest Sale of the Year” that happens once a week is about to drive me insane. JCPenney, Sears, car lots…they all use it. Can they not just have a sale and call it a sale?

Comment from cmdrjim
Time: January 1, 2007, 9:45 am

Basically and actually.

Comment from Sher
Time: January 1, 2007, 9:46 am

The phrase “Don’t be a hater”
It’s not that everyone who disagrees with another person is a “hater” they just have a different opinion.

Comment from Joel Sheffel
Time: January 1, 2007, 10:25 am

I think it is about time that HANDICAPPED, DISABLED, MENTALLY RETARDED all be retired. Replace them with calling the person, A PERSON WITH___________. You are then calling them a person first and everyone on foot or in a wheekchair is a person.

Comment from Doug Parker
Time: January 1, 2007, 10:28 am

So often a “celebrity” finds something “amazing!” - indicates a routinely mundane mentality.

Comment from Bruce Schowalter
Time: January 1, 2007, 10:31 am

Another hacknyed expression:

“Throw (or threw) them under the bus.”

This seems to be the preferred phrase for “dropped a dime”, “rolled over”, “the scapegoat”, add nausium. if it smells like gas it’s probably a fart.

Comment from Clint Carter
Time: January 1, 2007, 10:42 am

One of my favorites, though more of an oxymoron than an overused word, is live recording. Well, is it live, or a recording?

Comment from Cindy Mooney
Time: January 1, 2007, 10:43 am

Whimsical, for some reason that seemed like the word every host on a decorating show used.

Comment from Jack Doyle
Time: January 1, 2007, 10:43 am

re Gitmo. gitmo is a fairly olde naval terminology for the USN’s Caribbean leave port in Cuba. Prior to the communist takeover of Cuba, in the many preceeding decades of debauchery sought and received by world citizen holiday travelers, was the military’s reply to the depraved hosting by Habana(hosted by Juan Batista and US mafiosi prior to Castro). It is only ‘new’ and too familiar to those on the left who somehow seek to equate its current noble terrorist prison status with their own bigoted, self-loathing, malignant death wishes for themselves and their selfless life giving defenders.

Comment from Jeff Wong
Time: January 1, 2007, 10:54 am

Ever flown Northwest Airlines and listened to the pre-flight instructions? “Passengers must obey all posted placcards.” How about just calling them signs!

Comment from R. B.Beeston
Time: January 1, 2007, 10:58 am

Who is the twit who taught all the local AND network sports announcers to refer to athletic talent or ability as “athleticsm”? As in “That play was only possible becasue of his athleticism.” One would think professors teaching in college broadcast communications programs would teach better English grammar skills than those exhibited on most sports shows.

Comment from Carol Neighbour
Time: January 1, 2007, 11:03 am

I have a few phrases or catch words: 1)”In harm’s way” still being used by newscasters to popular writers. How about “in danger” or “in a dangerous situation”? 2)”Enjoy”: if I hear that from one more food worker I’m going to scream! 3)I (or he, she they) have too much on my (our, their) plate(s). This is totally overused. Have people no imagination? I also have two grammatical errors that can’t abide: 1) “Between you and I” instead of “Between you and me” or Jack and Me went to the movies” instead of “Jack and I”. This error is made by practically everyone in the USA. Last, but not least: ‘more or most “Importantly”, instead of “important, more important and most important”. Oh, I just thought of two more: “friggin’ or “frickin’”. These vulgarities bear no comment. I hope these aren’t too many. I’m glad to have found a place to express my displeasure with our current language or grammatical usage!
Thanks,
Carol N.
P.S. I thought of one more: “Do ya think?” used sarcastically when an opinion is expressed.

Comment from Denrus
Time: January 1, 2007, 11:06 am

Air Miles. The Air Miles that I have accumulated have nothing to do with the distance that I am encouraged to trade them in for. And what is an air mile anyway? A road map indicates that a return drive from Edmonton to Calgary is 372 statute miles, but a travel reward program tells me it’s 800 air miles and, depending on the season, it may stretch to 1025 air miles. I guess in the summer Calgary slips further down the earth only to return later in the year.

Comment from Chad Morin
Time: January 1, 2007, 11:17 am

GIT R’ DONE: A choice buzz word for the slack jawed masses that stare drooling at NASCAR Races and WWF Fans. Enough is enough!

Comment from Hellen
Time: January 1, 2007, 11:21 am

I regularly watch home improvement shows and the like and I am so sick of the word “space”. Whatever happened to this “area, or just name the room…. Instead they say this ” space” is worth whatever….

Comment from Diane
Time: January 1, 2007, 11:47 am

The word “got”. What ever happened to “have”? “I got this” and I got that”….You hear it everyday on the news and even from highly educated writers! Enough.

Comment from Marshall Brand
Time: January 1, 2007, 11:55 am

“I could care less” when the person means “I could NOT care less”.

Comment from carl
Time: January 1, 2007, 12:11 pm

The one expression that really annoys me is, “..at the end of the day…”. Every talk show (CNN, MSNBC, etc.) host and guest uses it to death!

Comment from Stacie Jones
Time: January 1, 2007, 12:12 pm

I submit the word Issue! We are at what volume number of this issue now? It is a serial publication that is so very outdated!

Comment from deborah
Time: January 1, 2007, 12:19 pm

there are two words that are grossly misused and make me cringe every time i hear them. the first is “transition” used as a verb. “we are transitioning to a new _____.” PLEASE! what’s the matter with the transitive verb, “transit?” i thought the “tion” suffix at the end of a word created a noun form. the other word is “orientate.” why cannot the word “orient” suffice? does it sound too “ethinic?” seems to me it’s either the verb form “orient” or the noun form “orientation.” maybe these words are used to demonstrate how learned one is? i doubt it.

Comment from George S Semsel
Time: January 1, 2007, 12:31 pm

“Philosophy” should be added - as in “His philosophy of linebackers [whatever] is . . . .”

Comment from Marv
Time: January 1, 2007, 12:37 pm

“All the way to the Supreme Court”. Heard it again on PBS this morning.

Comment from Marv
Time: January 1, 2007, 12:42 pm

Another nomination: “famously”. Perfectly good word, but suddenly you see it all the time.

Comment from Debbie
Time: January 1, 2007, 12:50 pm

I hate hearing people, especially Paris say “Thats hot”.

Comment from Kevin
Time: January 1, 2007, 12:59 pm

“As you know…” - this phrase is always insulting to the audience. Either the speaker is then going to waste your time by telling you something you already know, or you are made to feel stupid because you didn’t already know.

Comment from Deb Budesa
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:00 pm

Please remind news writers that ’snuck’ is NOT a word. I am amazed that this word is used in broadcasts every day!! To quote Charlie Brown,”ARGGH!”

Comment from Al
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:01 pm

1) “Orientated”: when I hear supposedly educated people on TV talk about “youth-orientated” programs or a “(whatever)-orientated” trend , I find myself screaming at the TV! “Orientated” IS NOT A WORD! It’s “oriented”!!!
2) “BFF”– why did this insipid term for “best friends forever” even get popularized??? And

Comment from Rat Guy
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:12 pm

Ban any word that comes up in a rap song, a song by the chilly peppers, michael jackson, or britney spears (and ban britney spears’s name, too).

Comment from Rat Guy
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:17 pm

I got another one…homework.

Comment from Kenneth J Boykin
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:32 pm

Just a comment of the first banished word. Gitmo is the US NAVY abbreviated term for Guantanamo Bay. Brevity in communication was extremely important in earilier times of morse code and spoken communication. The fact that the Japanese have created characters who have fuzzy names and the medias over use doesn’t distract from the fact we have bases and activities worldwide that have storied abbreviations. I think cute everyday terms are annonying as it demonstrates that Americans are lazy in the use of their own language. When the non use of the words air conditioning become only A/C or juveniles become juvies?

Comment from Joe Morgan
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:49 pm

KNOW WHAT I’M SAYIN? - No, I don’t know what you’re saying! The reason you would add that to your conversation is because;
1. You can’t follow your own line of thought. OR…
2. You think the person you are speaking to is an idiot!
It’s a no-win situation. Remember that the next time you’re talking to a love interest, a family member, your teacher, the boss or that nice police officer that stopped you just to ask “Do you know how fast you were going?’

Comment from JH
Time: January 1, 2007, 1:56 pm

Let’s also add, “you’re either with us or against us,” “stay the course,” Mission accomplished,” “a-aight,” “bling bling” and certain other cliches…

Comment from Anonymous
Time: January 1, 2007, 2:45 pm

Please, banish “a slew” which is an overused synonym for “many.”

Comment from Leigh
Time: January 1, 2007, 2:58 pm

“Good” when used as an adverb. “I drove good today.” “His car ran good.” “No one did good; no one played good.” The college safety who made the latter statement was absolutely correct. No one has ever played good or driven good or done good. No racer’s car has ever driven good. They may all, however, have raced or played or driven very WELL. I cringe whenever a NASCAR driver or crew member opens his mouth to talk about how he or his car did because nine times out of ten, it’s going to be “good.” It’s pretty bad when even college graduates, tv/radio announcers and college coaches can’t say it right. No matter how smart the speaker is, no matter how many degrees he has, it makes him sound like an idiot.

Comment from SLP
Time: January 1, 2007, 3:23 pm

Hey, I LIKE “truthiness”.

From the decorator shows on TV, “paint out” as in “paint out a dresser” and its obnoxious cousin “switch out”.

Anything that Bush’s lexicographers coin that always seems to have a sinister Orwelian reverse meaning: “Clear Skies Initiative”, “Healthy Forests Initiative”, “No Child Left Behind”, “The way forward” and “stay the course”.

Oh, and then there is “shizz” or anything Snoop Dogg coined.

These seem to make the list every year: “think outside the box”, “paradigm shift”, “multi-tasking” because people still use them in business and we still stare dumbly back like we know what any of it means.

Comment from GW
Time: January 1, 2007, 3:28 pm

How about we get rid of “fresh” when it is used to mean “new”. Like the WB network talking about a “fresh” episode of blankety-blank. Ugh. When I think fresh I either think of fruit or feminine hygeine products.

Comment from Curtis Castor
Time: January 1, 2007, 4:26 pm

I am sick and tired of hearing the phrase, “… have got …”. This odious phrase is used by TV commentators and it indicates to me that none of those who are alleged to be educated in the use of the english language paid attention while in english class.

The TV commentators who use this phrase sound, to me, like illiterate morons.

Comment from Curtis Castor
Time: January 1, 2007, 4:28 pm

I am sick and tired of hearing the phrase, “… have got …”. This odious phrase is used by TV commentators and it indicates to me that none of those who are alleged to be educated in the use of the english language paid attention while in english class.

The TV commentators who use this phrase sound, to me, like illiterate morons. Eliminating the word “got” sounds much more literate to my ears.

Comment from SD
Time: January 1, 2007, 4:40 pm

I will add my support to permanently remove the word basically from English. It adds nothing to any statement.

Frankly, to be frank, to be honest, to be perfectly honest, ad nauseum. If not used, is the statement a lie?

Comment from Angus Cunningham
Time: January 1, 2007, 4:51 pm

I nominate all nouns made by adding “ness” to an verbal or adjectival root. Banning “truthiness”, while properly restorative of grace to the lovely rationality of English, and competitively understandable, is an inefficient policing of reversed-baseball-cap vernacularity and a verbal policing plicy to be rendered more efficient.

For example, take what Lance Morrow wrote about “forgiveNESS”:

“Not to forgive is to be imprisoned by the past, by old grievances that do not permit life to proceed with new business. Not to forgive is to yield oneself to another’s control… to be locked into a sequence of act and response,
of outrage and revenge, tit for tat, escalating always.
The present is endlessly overwhelmed and devoured by the past. ForgiveNESS frees the forgiver.
It extracts the forgiver from someone else’s nightmare.”

Critiqued insightfully, the last two lines are absurd because forgiving is done by the forgiver not by the presumption “forgiveNESS” has any intrinsic capacity to be itself an agent. There is truly an agent we can correctly call a forgiver, and only that agent, a person, has any true power to forgive.

“ForgiveNESS” is a notion born in a monstrous mode of thought — monstrous because such thoughts are fantastical claims by followers of another’s thinking. At least that other was an original thinker who set out to try to forgive. At his mortal end, he acknowledged implicitly that it was his “Father in Heaven” whom he wanted, to the point of prayer, to forgive his tormentors and murderers. Obviously he knew then he hadn’t any further capacity, if he had had any at all, to forgive his executioners.

We can try to forgive; we will succeed in the measure we discern sincerity in an apology because only sincerity of apology is objective evidence of an ethically apposite lesson having been learned by the perpetrator. We can also devote our thinking to subjects in which the unapologized hurts we have sustained from perpetrators of injustices upon us scarcely, if ever, intrude. But to forgive an act for which an apology has not yet been received is by anyone whose memory is not Alzheimic (a) not much more than a pretentious claim , and (b) insane both morally and ethically.

Death to all Loch Ness Monsters in or outside Scotland!

Comment from JB
Time: January 1, 2007, 5:13 pm

like its like when like whatever, like what? Like bling, I like it it is like….I have no vocabulary!

Comment from Mark Peasley
Time: January 1, 2007, 5:15 pm

I’d like to see “creepy” put on hold until it regains its former meaning. Now, instead of referring to a dark woods or a scary movie, it can be used to describe anything from a hamburger to a haircut. Gimme a break!

Comment from Joe
Time: January 1, 2007, 5:40 pm

Words/phrases/abbreviation that I can’t stand anymore:

* What’s up? / ‘Sup! * Rocket science/scientist * That is so…You are so… * Boy band * SUV * Swing for the fences * Think outside the box *Get your on! *

Hey Nighthawk - if you want to celebrate Christmas (which originated from pagan rituals), that’s your business. On behalf of everyone who *DOESNT* celebrate Christmas (Atheists, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, etc), I have a message for you: KEEP IT YOUR BUSINESS!

Comment from Terry
Time: January 1, 2007, 5:45 pm

Can people ever stop using “waiting on” when “waiting for” would be correct?

Comment from Extreme
Time: January 1, 2007, 6:18 pm

Extreme has driven too many people into thinging that things must be taken to extremes. I refuse to buy anything that says extreme on it, like deodorant~ that was extremely awesome~

Comment from Elisabeth Mesones
Time: January 1, 2007, 7:57 pm

Please ban “absolutely” immediately.
Absolutely!

Comment from Harriet Ottaviano
Time: January 1, 2007, 8:27 pm

Can we banish “waiting on line” when we really mean “standing in line”? She spent four hours “waiting on line” to get Emeril’s autograph on her cookbook. Did she hope to get Emeril’s autograph off the internet? Or did the bookstore have a line drawn on the floor?
Banish “buck” when it is used to mean “one hundred”. Overdone by sportscasters (what isn’t?). “He batted a buck 85 against left-handers last season”. “He threw for a buck 70 against Michigan.” Sometimes it is even used to mean “one minute” as in “we are coming up on a buck 25 left in the fourth quarter.”

Comment from Kelly
Time: January 1, 2007, 8:40 pm

How about the word “bump” to describe a pregnancy? Entertainment magazines have overused this awful word to describe every actress’s abs, from those who are truly with child to those who have a two-pound weight gain. There is a difference in a child and a zit!

Comment from Hank
Time: January 1, 2007, 8:52 pm

Worst and overused new line: “IT IS WHAT IT IS”

Now used justify what negative action you just did - but is equal to “No comment”

Comment from mike sproston
Time: January 1, 2007, 9:28 pm

Ever notice there are some drivers dont know the difference between the words this and next, as in this exit, or next exit. Is it this exit or the next exit. See, I even got you confused, didn’t I. English, DON’T you just love it!

Comment from mike sproston
Time: January 1, 2007, 9:41 pm

how about the word “stop”. There are drivers that see that 8 sided sign as a purple sign nor red. Purple is for those who are uninitiated means “ooze on through at 5mph-through the prevailing speed one is going” Cops luv them, they make money.

Comment from Dilbert3333
Time: January 1, 2007, 9:44 pm

Get rid of the phrase “Global Warming”. While doing so, please dump Al Gore as well! The planet has undergone “Global Warming” since the Ice Age ended (the time era, not the movie!)!

Comment from mike sutton
Time: January 1, 2007, 11:32 pm

“k-fed”. thats all I got to say!

Comment from Shaun
Time: January 2, 2007, 12:21 am

Duude (there’s one)

Sweeet (there’s two)

Stoked (there’s three)

I thought ‘dudes’ were Eaterners who were found only on ranches?

‘Sweets’ are only for the ’sweet’, correct? (Certainly they are not for the merely ‘awesome’, for which ’sweeet’ is pathetically interchanged?)

I can certainly see the need for a ’stoked’ fire, but I NEVER want it done to me! Ouch!

Comment from Hank
Time: January 2, 2007, 1:20 am

FRESH - Sure, it tells you of a process of something done NOW, yet ignores all other steps in the process

Biggest offender: Subway’s Eat Fresh campaign

Thanks Jared for telling us that the alternative to eating fast food sitting under heat lamps is to eat a FRESH MADE sub… using ingredients that have been sitting around for hours!

Comment from Ralph Boyer
Time: January 2, 2007, 1:31 am

I agree regarding “end of the day”. Heard it used about the war in Iraq. The end of the day won’t mean anything. It’s the end of the war that counts.

Comment from Ralph Boyer
Time: January 2, 2007, 1:44 am

While we’re at it ban: “each and every one” redundant; and a new episode of a television show being “all new”, because I’ve never seen one that was only partly new.

Comment from ja loft
Time: January 2, 2007, 4:03 am

Gitmo was used some fifty plus years ago. It’s where I learned Red, Right, Return the hard way.

Comment from Larry Howell
Time: January 2, 2007, 9:10 am

Incredible; other than where used in the context of describing something that is not credible. People seem to describe everything that should be described as “amazing” as incredible where the act is perfectly credible but amazing.

Comment from Charlton Price
Time: January 2, 2007, 11:05 am

These may have been urged on you long since:

“Incredible” as the all-purpose superlative, lazily stuck on as an intensive (e.g. “an incredible roll in the hay”)

Conflation of “lie” and “lay” (e.g. I’m going ot lay down for a nap”)

“Media” as a singular noun (e.g. “the media is biased”)

“Issues” for “problems” (e.g. “he has some health issues,” meaning, he’s terminally ill”)

“free gift”

Comment from Mark Mattison
Time: January 2, 2007, 1:18 pm

Great stuff. Thanks for doing this!
However, I don’t agree about “undocumented alien”. Anyone in e.g. the USA who is not a citizen or a resident, but merely visiting for a longer period of time, is an alien. If they are there without papers/documentation, they are undocumented aliens. There’s a difference.
You can be a legal alien (with papers and permission) or an illegal alien (lacking proper documentation). I wouldn’t want to be in the latter category, but there would be absolutely no hassle in the former category, except that you would have to register and reappear once every year or whatever is required.

Comment from Mark Mattison
Time: January 2, 2007, 1:23 pm

Please, PLEASE, Americans. Stop trying to be British when using the word “cheers”. To Americans “cheers” are what you hear at a ball game, or when you toast someone at a dinner. “Cheers” is not how you sign off in a letter - unless you’re trying to be British. Eh, what? Jolly good.

Comment from Mike B.
Time: January 2, 2007, 4:31 pm

I absolutely hate the word uber.

Uber (adj., OO-ber) meaning very, more.

A disgusting American attempt at trying to mainstream a German word.

Shivers go down my spine every time this almost-word is uttered, especially when used with “pwn” or “n00b.”

Comment from Jordan Rifis
Time: January 2, 2007, 9:57 pm

What should be banished from English speaking phraseology is, “The first thing we do is kill all the lawyers”.
Shakespeare meant it ironically to mean that in order to replace a lawful authority and deprive the populace of their rights and freedom, we must first eliminate the rule of law, by disposing of its first line of defense, i.e. the lawyers.

Comment from Rick M.
Time: January 3, 2007, 2:59 am

“Sleep with” or “Slept with” We know damn well no one is doing any sleeping! It most the contradictory use of words possible.

Comment from Lisa
Time: January 3, 2007, 9:05 am

People who use the word “seen” without “have” in front of it are driving me out of my mind! Everywhere, people say, “I seen.” People from this website rise up and unite to correct this verbiage blemish before it takes completely over.

Comment from Dave H
Time: January 3, 2007, 11:40 am

“troops”
The news media’s worst language misuse ever: ” troops were killed or injured.” I just heard on the news that the American death toll in the Iraq war has exceeded 3000 “troops.” As best I can determine, that means somewhere between 18,000 and 750,000 SOLDIERS have been killed.
It’s sad that the worst language offenders are those in the communications industries!

Comment from Gemma T.
Time: January 3, 2007, 4:43 pm

Please banish:” more unique “(unique is an absolute, something
is or it isn’t) ; the misuse of “apostrophe s”, it’s used every-
where now; “plant material” from those garden shows on TV
when talking about live plants; “cathedral ceilings” in new or
redone homes, no matter how much I say “Oh, GOD” in my bedroom it’s not a religious use .

Comment from Sue
Time: January 4, 2007, 12:27 pm

“Yeah, now that’s what I’MMMMMMM talkin’ ’bout!’
How about talking about being banished?
Just go away you annoy me.

Comment from James Stotter
Time: January 4, 2007, 3:17 pm

I nominate the following words and phrases to be banned.
Thank you.
James Stotter

1) “perfect”..For example, when a medical technician asks me to do something as part of a test and I do it, (s)he will say “Perfect” usually pronounced with a little “purr.” If I was so perfect, I would have straight As in life.

2) “no problem” usually in reply to someone thanking a person for doing something. For most of my life, the appropriate reply to “thank you” was “you’re welcome,” “glasd to help,” or something positive. “No problem” has a negetive connotation to it such as something was or could have been a problem.

Comment from Tom (”Virgil”) Uren
Time: January 5, 2007, 12:06 pm

A reversal of the recent trend toward the orignally American, but now pandemic, expansion of the meaning of the word “need” is a prospect on which I look with unmixed pleasure. “Need” neither ought nor should not replace either, let alone both, “should” and “ought”. I saw a film wherein a mendicant croaked to a passerby “You need to give me some money!”

Comment from Patsy
Time: January 5, 2007, 2:26 pm

“ABSOLUTELY!”
Listen to any interview. People respond multiple times with “absolutely.” I’ve heard people answer with “absolutely” and it doesn’t even apply to the question. I would have to say, absolutely, that this word should be banned. Hey, novel idea, let’s just talk normal and forget the pretenses! This is absolutely the best way to handle this situation. So, I hope you have an absolutely fabulous day!

Comment from John R
Time: January 5, 2007, 3:32 pm

PASSION is now universally overused and should be banned. Every dull, mediocre business leader, politician, educator and entertainer is constantly talking about their “passion”, sometimes even their “great passion,” about something or another. Sometimes their “passion” is so great it “informs” everything they or their company are doing “going forward.” Hey, there’s a couple more!

Comment from Patsy
Time: January 5, 2007, 6:11 pm

EMBRACE.
No more can I have a problem and hate it, I have to embrace it…….then, I can hate it? For example, I am embracing each of these banned words…… Soon, I will feel better…..

Comment from Casey Lutton
Time: January 5, 2007, 6:28 pm

ACTUALLY
Actually I actually think you should actually consider banning “actually”. Actually I actually believe this word is actually overused and actually superfluous.

Comment from john boase
Time: January 5, 2007, 10:23 pm

Might I nominate for next time around:

‘the get-go’
‘at the end of the day’
‘cool’
‘it’s time to move on’
‘closure’
‘resile’ (an outsider, perhaps)

and a certain candidate for winner:

‘ABSOLUTELY’

Comment from e hite
Time: January 7, 2007, 7:00 am

The use of For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge [F. U. C. K] is used improperly. AND OVER USED!!!!!!!!

Comment from emily pinetree
Time: January 7, 2007, 2:01 pm

I am really getting sick of everyone using the word “HOT” to describe everything they think is wonderful, cool, etc… I mean Paris Hilton is trying to coin the phrase “that’s hot” as her own tag line, and own the rights. It just shows that so many people are followers in society to one person with a limited vocabulary. A house buring on fire is hot, when I turn on the stove it get’s hot. HOT describes a tempurature.

Comment from Kent Mc Creary
Time: January 7, 2007, 7:41 pm

The American Dialect Society defines Cambodian Accessories as ‘Angelina Jolies adopted children, one of which is Cambodian.”

Does this mean the child Madonna adopted in Malawi is to be considered Afircan Accessories? Both words should definitely be banished from the English language.

Comment from Kent Mc Creary
Time: January 7, 2007, 7:57 pm

When I think of Cheers, I think of the bar from the television show of the same name.

Anyway, here are some more words that I think should be banished from the English language.

If a macaca moment is a racial gaffe caught on tape, why not just say it.

If we refer to sudden-jihad syndrome as an outburst of violence from a seamingly normal and stable muslim, what should we call it when the same thing happens to someone who is Christian? Or Buddhist?

Words such as manboobs, moobs, mancation, manmaries, and other words spliced with the word man should be banned.

The last word is lancing. The definition is the forced outing of a gay male celebrity, named after Lance Bass. Can’t we just use the proper term, outing?

Comment from Ian MacRitchie
Time: January 8, 2007, 2:19 pm

“thank you sooo much ” if you would banish this overused affectation

Comment from Andy Kilroy
Time: January 8, 2007, 2:30 pm

How about “myself?” Just ask Johnny or myself…GRRRRRRRRR. What ever happend to “me?” Are people confused about the use of “I” or “me” and just randomly substitute “myself” the reflexive pronoun? It makes me want to hit someone. Also “Ground Zero.” Enough already of ground zero. Again, GRRRRRRRRRRR.

Comment from George Harris
Time: January 8, 2007, 2:52 pm

Someone make it stop…four words or phrases for banishment please:

“All new”, as in most, if not all, automobile ads on TV - the “all new Toyota-whatever…” Why is the new vehicle said to be all new, is there a doubt about some parts, maybe they’re ftted with OLD tires, steering columns or ball joints for eg?

“Irregardless” No such word exists of course, look it up if you doubt me. People mean to say either “regardless” or “irrespective,” so tell them to please use use one of those.

“Unacceptable.” Whoa, enough. His attitude to hygiene is unacceptable. Suicide bombing of crowded markets is unacceptable. A huge meteor (ite) hitting the earth is unacceptable. So you’re not going to accept it huh? Ooooh, then that’s the last meteor we hurl your way, say the Gods.

“Two thumbs up,” as per movie ads. This was overused to a sickening extent ten years ago…and then - ten years went by. Ugh. Are new generations of movie-goers continually uplifted and motivated by the prospect of two upturned thumbs? (yay, we who were about to die will now live!) Or are movie ads now done up entirely by computers, maybe Commodore 64’s?

Comment from George Harris
Time: January 8, 2007, 3:08 pm

Oh and i forgot two more - “a ton of” something, to indicate any large amount of anything be it material or conceptual, and “walk the talk” when shouldn’t we be saying “walk the walk” and/or “talk the talk” How in hell can anyone walk the talk?

Comment from Sam Regen
Time: January 8, 2007, 4:08 pm

How about “Fox News”.

Comment from Paul Roberts
Time: January 8, 2007, 7:02 pm

Event - as in, Weather event/rain/snow event - let’s get real ! Weather, rain, snow, etc. are all events. To use the word ‘event’ when the adjective standing alone will suffice comes across as both affected and condecending. Who cannot determine that if it is raining, snowing etc. it’s an event. Just for the record; The St. Petersburg (Florida) Times headline on Jan. 4, 2007 was “Crist (incoming Florida Governor, Charlie Crist plan: ‘Whereas’ out, ‘hey buddy’ in” “The governor orders officials to use “plain language” from now on,” Getting rid of ‘event’ see ms a good place to start.

Comment from Jon Trotter
Time: January 9, 2007, 11:50 am

“Support the Troops” is such a meaningless, pseudo-patriotic, feel-good phrase that has been so overused by opportunistic politicians, editorializing media channels, and far, FAR too many yellow ribbon stickers on suburban SUVs/minivans. There are real ways to support troops, but spouting meaningless platitudes and burning barrels of foreign oil and affixing magnetic stickers to one’s vehicle thousands of miles away from the fighting doesn’t do much.

Comment from ginny archer
Time: January 10, 2007, 11:42 am

My submission for 2007: Transparency/transparent (e.g.,”There’s been a lack of transparency from the beginning…’) This usage has been ubiquitous throughout 2006, and continues relentlessly into the current year.

Comment from MBYHTL1
Time: January 14, 2007, 6:39 am

Array

Comment from Michael Grahl
Time: January 14, 2007, 7:42 am

I would like to submit a phrase for this year’s list. This one bugs me, so, “Having said that….” is exactly the phase I mean. It is so over-used that it seems nobody can be a politician without saying “Having said that…” everytime they’re on television!

Comment from Lea.
Time: January 16, 2007, 2:02 am

Please banish –You ah lie– And—What ever— . And–I wasent born yesterday..

Comment from Lea.
Time: January 16, 2007, 2:14 am

Please banish,–What Ever,–&– I wasent born yesterday,–&,–You, ah,Lie,–&–Mabe,–&,–Ranken,–Meaning makeing fun of someone..Thats realy old..

Comment from Casey
Time: January 16, 2007, 6:31 pm

Two words or phrases that have to go:

“What’s her/his face” - Where exactly did this phrase come from anyway?

“Here’s a picture of me when I was younger” - Every picture of you is when you were younger. Let me give you a picture of me when I was older and you’ll slap me and call me the devil.

Comment from clarissa
Time: January 19, 2007, 7:33 pm

I know this isn’t really a word, but I’m so tired of the phrase ” 24/7″ , why not just say “all the time” or even “continually”?

Comment from Jo
Time: January 22, 2007, 12:45 pm

I agree with those who are tired of “cool” and “hot.” It seems we need a new slang word that captures both of these terms. A person or thing which is very desirable would need to be both “cool” and “hot.” This would mean they are actually “lukewarm.” Shop Nordstrom’s now for all your lukewarm fashions!

Comment from David Lazorik
Time: January 22, 2007, 2:45 pm

One of my least favorite phases is “at that point in time”.

Comment from Jack Houser
Time: January 23, 2007, 8:47 pm

“Thank you, so much.” When the news anchor takes the stage from a field reporter, weather person, or anyone else, the comment nearly always is “Thank you, so much”. Whatever happened to a simple thank-you?

Comment from Margie Gaffney
Time: February 1, 2007, 11:46 pm

People who say “further” when the sentence they are using calls for “farther.”

Comment from Loreta
Time: February 3, 2007, 5:50 pm

With the upcoming candidates running for election a work that is becoming over used is “transparent.”

Comment from Susan
Time: February 18, 2007, 11:36 pm

Uber- Meaning something with an intensified meaning. This is definitely becoming an oveused word. Let’s see… it’s ubersexy, ubercool, uberhot, etc. Before you know it we will all be going down to our local fast food restaurant to get our ubersized soda.

My bad - It’s going to be “MY bad” when I reach out and touch someone who is over 40 for saying “my bad” or my baby daddy”!

Comment from Carol Martin
Time: December 31, 2007, 11:15 am

“The ask”

If I hear one more politician or public servant spout out a verb posing as a noun, I will hurl. Could someone please remind them that the rules of grammar are just that, rules.

Comment from Michelle
Time: December 31, 2007, 1:54 pm

Pretty much and not so much. Those are everywhere! It makes the person saying it sound like they can’t complete a sentence.

Comment from Nikki
Time: December 31, 2007, 4:47 pm

What about ‘ironic’ or ‘that’s so ironic’? Most of time they are coincidences! If you don’t know the meaning of the word please don’t use it!

Comment from Sara Anna
Time: December 31, 2007, 5:24 pm

How can “No problem!” have escaped the list? Why do so many people think that’s an appropriate response to “Thank you”? It implies that I’ve apologized for causing them a problem, when I’ve really just thanked them for doing their job. For them to respond that I didn’t cause them a problem suggests that doing their job is a problem for them, but they graciously deny that when I thank them. Let’s, please, bring back “You’re welcome.”

Comment from Denton Clark
Time: December 31, 2007, 6:35 pm

“Gone Missing”: What the heck does this mean? Is it an unintentional phenomenon where people or object disappear into thin air with no plausible explanantion? Two verbs do not make a complete sentence or even a rational thought for that matter. I cringe every time I hear some person has “gone missing” on a national radio or television news program.

Comment from Wayne
Time: December 31, 2007, 7:01 pm

‘Oh my god’ has got to go!!!!

Comment from Ted Beauregard
Time: January 1, 2008, 5:57 am

For 2008 - a set of nonsense words my wife has picked up on and heard on occasional newsasts. BLAH BLAH BLAH, BLAH BLAH

Comment from julian merrill
Time: January 1, 2008, 6:00 am

“Oh my God!” especially prevalent by “teenie” girls from 10 to 40.
Watch any pop culture movie or just listen to any 2 “teenies” talking and it
is used over and over again for practically anything. Example: Susie gets a new pair of canvas sneekers, response from Rebecca: Oh my god, you got the new Nike sneekers!” Or Tom broke up with Magan whom he had dated at least 3 or 4 times. The response: “Oh my God! , they broke up” all I can say is : “Oh my God, indeed!”

Comment from Bob Andrews
Time: January 1, 2008, 6:04 am

I’d like to see the redundant fill-phrase “…out there” banned from use by television talking-heads for eternity! E.g. “… the traffic, out there, is terrible”; “…it’s snowing, out there…”.

So? Where ELSE would it be? In the studio?

Thanks for letting me vent!

Comment from Paul
Time: January 1, 2008, 6:17 am

Please banish the overuse of “green”, which apparently means everything, grown, manufactured, or used by everyone on earth…”green-this”, “green that” is making me turn green, because I’m about to throw up!….Is a golf ball considered “green” simply because the logo on it has been printed in soy ink? Just find a different color bucket of paint, and leave green to describe bullfrogs and most lawns.
And while we’re at it, anything that is “environmentally friendly,” has probably robbed something from the environment, thus harming it to a minute degree.

When referencing the contraction for “they are”, people write the word “their”….where D’ja gota skool?

Now go out there and “take something to a different level, seize the day, live in the moment, and use your philanthropic nature to pay it forward”!

Comment from Paul
Time: January 1, 2008, 6:29 am

“Lawyered-up”….sounds as if you’ve had too much lawyer to drink.

If all of the lawyers are occupied, we will never catch all of those “perps” out there!

Now “listen up people”….”micro-greens” should be so small, that you shouldn’t be able to see your salad at all, right?

And let’s dump everything that is “so” this and “so” that….

“What I’m trying to say is”…..”like yesterday, when I was like watching the weather, this duuude said it was going to be like sooo hot this weekend, I immediately thought OMG, this duuude is sooo awesome, I immediately bought into what he was saying…lol”

Comment from Paul
Time: January 1, 2008, 6:33 am

Any store clerk that thanks you after your purchase by saying “Have a good one”. My immediate thought is “I HAVE a good one, just looking for a place to put it”

Comment from Paul
Time: January 1, 2008, 6:52 am

I’ve looked and looked and looked, but I have failed to find my “Recipe for success”

Comment from Gary Johnson
Time: January 1, 2008, 7:35 am

While I agree that organic has been overused and misused, I would be remiss if I failed to point out that at least one food we consume is inorganic. That is common table salt. We should also remember that gasoline is organic.

Comment from Bryan mccoy
Time: January 1, 2008, 7:36 am

” I am sorry” this phrase has become the crutch of western society. Just say ” I am sorry” and you are forgiven for any of your short commings. Be it a simple slip up , a major blunder or even a well thought out arrogant act of criminal or moral misbehavior,,, and you are forgiven. No other consideration for your lack of good judgement, just ” I am sorry” then it never happened, and you are no longer obligated to make it right or learn from what you did.

Comment from Raul Botello Jr.
Time: January 1, 2008, 7:37 am

Word/phrase submitted: “Name of the game…”

Since I grew up yoked in of another language, I found learning English challenging, fun and exciting. I always enjoyed playing with words and making puns. After all what else can a poor cotton picker afford for toys? A friend once, no, actually twice, accused me of me pf playing with words as if playing with food…in itself a forbidden fruit. I never came up with an appropriate quippy response. Am I a simple deadbeat wordjoneser of the worst kind or in no uncertain terms ill after having nibbled from the garden?

Comment from Plona G
Time: January 1, 2008, 8:53 am

Enough already with this phrase overused by nearly every sportscaster of a major sporting event: “Are you kidding me?” No, I’m not kidding you. This phrase is used to highlight the spectacular, the highly unusual, the egregious offense, the questionable incident, and the mundane non-event. Are you kidding me that this overused phrase is still in play? Get a new line, sportscasters. As a matter of fact, try being original for once.

Comment from Matt
Time: January 1, 2008, 9:00 am

I nominate the word “word-watcher” because who else but some fucking nerd is actually looking for words to take out of the dictionary.

Comment from Dan
Time: January 1, 2008, 9:16 am

“Cool” and “Basically”. Until these words are included, the list lacks credibility. Have they been excluded because the editorial staff uses them frequently?

Comment from Dan
Time: January 1, 2008, 9:22 am

Also, what about “Partnering”, “Championing” (”to champion”), and most other nouns converted to verbs?

Comment from mike payne
Time: January 1, 2008, 9:32 am

Come and get the HOUSE, CAR, or ANYTHING you “want, Need, and Deserve”. You do not need and desrerve anything - you must get yourself off your duff and get out and earn what you “want”. Getting the sheep to believe this bunk is what got them into bad mortgages and now escelating credit card debt. You cannot spend what you do not have and what you plan to earn in the future. Want, need, and deserve in this context needs to go so badly that they should not only be banished but against the law.

Comment from dennis ricketts
Time: January 1, 2008, 11:21 am

you know what i mean/you know what i an saying.These words are used so often here in western ny ,it drives me nuts,you know what i m saying.A man will say ,my wife is not feeling well today,you know what i mean.No i do not know,just say my wife is sick,and i WILL understand.I am so tired of these phrases,know what i mean.

Comment from Joseph Roecklein
Time: January 1, 2008, 11:35 am

If I hear one more starlet on a talk show, use the word
“exactly” in a sentence I think I will barf.
I will comment however, if this list gets any longer we will
have to converse in sign language. “Whatever”

Comment from Chuck Lockyer
Time: January 1, 2008, 11:44 am

Shame on you for referring to Nancy McNamara as an “Alumni.” Not only did you improperly use the plural in place of the singular but you also used the masculine in place of ths feminine.

Comment from Paul Blain
Time: January 1, 2008, 12:23 pm

To quote the great comedian George Carlin, please ban the phrase “… happens to be.”

“I have a friend who just happens to be black…” Let’s see, his parents were black, they had sex and had a baby, who was black…so where does the surprise part come in?”

And may I submit to you, the phrase “Not that there’s anything wrong with that…”, when referring to something you obviously agree with, and yet, you want to appear politically correct (arrrrrgh)!

I have a friend who “just happens to be gay….not that there’s anything wrong with that.”

Comment from Paul Blain
Time: January 1, 2008, 12:26 pm

Sportscasters who use the phrase “We sat down with him last night at dinner”…when these poor saps were still on an airplane 700 miles from the stadium.

Comment from Ben franklin
Time: January 1, 2008, 2:02 pm

Two words men should not say “Poo” especially for dirty jobs show. unless were talking about baby diapers other wise leave pooh to winnie… or “Packet” Like did you get your Packet at the door. Isn’t packet what ketchup or sugar comes or soysauce packet… oh well my babies crying I think need to go change her poo packet…………

Comment from Zoya Sweetich
Time: January 1, 2008, 2:06 pm

Could we please, PLEASE band text abbriviations! lol, txt, 4 (when used in place of ‘for’), tnx, omg, ttyl, and so forth and so on. It is crazy, not one person of age 17 and under knows how to spell anymore! My eye starts to twitch when i get a text with something like: “tnx 4 (…), c u ltr”. If your text turns out to be longer than your service will allow, just call!
Thanks!

Comment from Mike
Time: January 1, 2008, 2:14 pm

How about ‘Vast Right Wing Conspiracy’. Not only misused, but overused for ten years now. Talk about wanting to ‘move on’. Or maybe it’s just the whinning sound in the voice of people using it. Either way, annoying.

Comment from John Cloutman
Time: January 1, 2008, 3:16 pm

I don’t know if this word has been banned before because the website is so busy I can’t read the previous year’s lists. I will take that as a good sign that the English laguage is not a dead subject. The word I would like to see banned is “synergy”. Its misuse and abuse seems to originate in corporate bureacracy, and is commonly heard emanating from the lips of MBA-types who are describing the reasons for some merger or acquisition. I once counted the number of times “synergy” was used in a meeting that lasted only 20 minutes and the word was used 11 times. The abuse of the word “synergy” appears to be inversely proportional to the future success of the organization whose executives are abusing it. The more times you hear this word the more likely it is you’re about to be laid off.

Comment from linda hacker
Time: January 1, 2008, 4:29 pm

Thank you for “decimate.”
Could I offer “famously?” I think we’ve all got the point by now that we are all familiar with the proposed quote, so we no longer need the knowing wink.

Comment from Jerry Knarr
Time: January 1, 2008, 5:56 pm

Notice how often people use “basically” to describe what was done. “Although he did many things, basically he did. . . ” Or, “Basically, I plan to do several things such as . . . ” In call-in radio shows, count the times a caller will use “basically” in the 60 seconds taken to describe a plan, action or event. News programs have fallen into using the word too.

Comment from Laura D.
Time: January 1, 2008, 8:11 pm

“Quintessential” — I see this word constantly. Very pretentious in my opinion. Also, the phrase “light and airy” used on every home and garden show.

Comment from K Atwood
Time: January 1, 2008, 8:11 pm

RE: decimate
I don’t think the word “decimate” should make the list. Decimate originally referred to the killing of every tenth person, a punishment used in the Roman army for mutinous legions. Today this meaning is commonly extended to include the killing of any large proportion of a group.
I do however agree that it is overused in the media, thus blunting it’s impact. This is my particular gripe

The English language is wonderfully expressive, flexible, and evolutionary. One can use a word (real or coined) in a way not typical and surprisingly, many people immediately understand what is meant. For example, if I were commenting on my recent ski run and said, “I was ’shushing’ down the hill when a dog came out from the trees into my way,” the person listening would understand that I was not coming down with my finger to my lips gesturing that no one should be talking, but rather that I was going at a high rate of speed down the hill, displacing large amounts of soft snow with each turn.

The problem is when someone utters a phrase and other members of the media pick it up and use it ‘to-death’. Or others pick it up as ‘trendy’, Like “the new black”. It is so overused that it starts to sound very affected.

Comment from Mernie
Time: January 1, 2008, 8:55 pm

It delighted me to see “back in the day” on the list. I have been complaining to all who will listen about that one. Thank you.
TORNADIC WINDS. Our self described ‘most experienced meteriorologist’ in Millwaukee uses that term Actually, many or most of the new odd words began on the weather forecast. Keep up the good work.

Comment from Robet S Holton
Time: January 1, 2008, 9:36 pm

Let us get rid of all the silent “gh” words, lets drop the gh and write words, thru, nite, rite, not to mention the silent “k’s” and “w” words. Thanks RH

Comment from Robet S Holton
Time: January 1, 2008, 9:38 pm

Oh yeah! when did the word troops, turn into a singular word. I read so many news articles that mention that so many US tropps have died, counting one person as a troop? RH

Comment from Anne
Time: January 1, 2008, 11:28 pm

“Amazing.” Nothing is ever simply good, great or wonderful. “He is the most a-MAZ-ing partner,” “It was an a-MAZ-ing experience.” Dare you to start noticing that one. Everything is AMAZING these days.

Comment from Anne
Time: January 1, 2008, 11:29 pm

Have you noticed how many folks say “all the sudden” instead of “all of a sudden?” That makes me cringe.

Comment from Dawn
Time: January 1, 2008, 11:49 pm

Two “words” I absolutely wish would disappear are E-V-O-O and Yummo!

Comment from Mike
Time: January 2, 2008, 8:17 am

Get rid of the word grassroots. With the millions of ‘grassroots efforts’ popping up every day, you’d think we were all, or should all have known about them from our friends and family, not the corporate sector….

Comment from Dobie
Time: January 2, 2008, 8:43 am

Please, pleas bannish “green” being used as a description for being more environmentally conscious or friendly. It’s a color–no more, no less. no more, no less. Also, green is not a verb. Green buildings, green weddings, greening your home, green your life…blech.

Comment from Allison
Time: January 2, 2008, 9:51 am

I’m so tired of the overused…”Go Green” it sounds so silly.
and also, the over use of the term “carbon footprint”.
Lets just all be good stewards of the Earth, guys!

Comment from David
Time: January 2, 2008, 12:35 pm

“Like” needs to be added. Don”t want to hear it again. Like for real this time.

Comment from jason D. Smith
Time: January 2, 2008, 2:24 pm

Might be too soon as still slang - but it drives me nuts.
“Skillage” As when someone demonstrates an aptitude and capacity to great effect - usually playing the hardest Guitar Hero song on Medium difficulty to a 94% rating. When the song is over and the friends look in awe one replies - “Skillage” Having show off without messing up demonstrates “skillage” Overused in my small world - consider yourselves warned - help extinguish now!

Comment from Joel Mabus
Time: January 2, 2008, 3:08 pm

I nominate SUSTAINABLE as most the misused environmentalist buzz word. It is mostly used today to mean “Green on steroids.”

I actually heard a young woman say this on a TV chat show: “I don’t just want a ‘green’ wedding. I want my wedding to be ’sustainable.’” How long does she want the ceremony to last?

Joel Mabus
Kalamazoo, MI

Comment from Patty B.
Time: January 2, 2008, 3:44 pm

I have several word/phrases I’d like to nominate:
“No problem” sounds dismissive and rude. The proper response to thank you is you’re welcome.
Using “you guys” instead of you; as in “Would you guys like fries with that?” (Attention all you waiters, waitresses, servers, and waitpersons out there.)
“Growing the economy” as if it were a tomato plant.
“Going forward”. Is going backward a choice?
“entry system” (door), “travel system” (stroller with an infant bucket.)
Thank you, I needed that!

Comment from Ed Daigle
Time: January 2, 2008, 5:14 pm

Please ban the phrase, ‘You have to understand’. The person using this phrase says to me that he wishes to impose his will on me rather than allow me my freedom to make my own determination.

Comment from Pat
Time: January 2, 2008, 7:11 pm

“bang for the buck”– Who hasn’t used it, but who doesn’t hate it?

Comment from fred garvin
Time: January 2, 2008, 10:38 pm

I have several:
“push-back” Commentators using it behave as if it has been a part of their vernacular forever.
“its all good” is pretty bad
“black Friday” was invented about a month and a half ago for the 2007 shopping blitz.
“eck-set-tra” Why don’t people learn how to pronounce this word?
“my lovely…..” It makes me pretty ill to hear a politician refer to his wife as “my lovely wife”. It was bad enough when people referred to someone elses lovely wife, now this - puke!
“off-ten” People, the t is silent in often.
“a large amount” when it should be “a large number”, as in, “Sorry about the large amount of phrases and words I don’t like.”

Comment from Ken Peale
Time: January 2, 2008, 11:42 pm

My nomination:

“Roadmap” when used to mean a plan. Why let Bush’s ghostwriters dictate usage? Remember when plans were called blueprints?

Comment from Mick Gold Coast QLD Australia
Time: January 3, 2008, 7:53 am

“Inappropriate” and “Unacceptable” are so often substituted for “I don’t like it”. If you do not like it simply say so. There is no need to dress that up with ostensibly more sophisticated words, to give the appearance that you are being reasonable and objective.

I assumed both would fall into misuse after they being relied upon by an ex President to describe fellatio.

“Violate” is so often used in circumstances where too much hyperbole is nowhere near enough. I look for photos showing the bloodied bodies of tortured terrorists when I see it used, and usually find only offended sensitivities on the part of the “I Am Determined To Be Offended” cadre.

“Skill set” too - what nonsense! Skills will do. Most evident in employment advertisements by big public organisations, to ensure the job description runs into more pages.

I see “carbon footprint” gets a run from other contributors - it prompts for me a vision of the footprints left by a big black yeti with size 32 feet.

It seems to me, notwithstanding the evolution of language, there is a correlation between declining literacy and use of banished words. Increased reading would certainly improve accurate word use and universal understanding in communication.

Comment from sirena
Time: January 3, 2008, 10:27 am

The word I believe should be banished is “poop”.

Comment from sirena
Time: January 3, 2008, 10:28 am

actually I prefer that you don’t have the banished list at all!!

Comment from Jeff Williams
Time: January 3, 2008, 3:32 pm

I’d like to add “back story” (is it one or two words?) to this year’s list. Let’s go back to saying “history.”

Let’s also add “end result” and put an end to this redundancy.

Comment from patrick merrill
Time: January 3, 2008, 6:10 pm

this may have been on the list long ago, using “go’s”
as in she go’s he go’s I go when you should say he said,
I said. the doubling triple quaddruple and even quinruple
of words such as I would never move to the artiv it is very very very cold! Arizona no way it is really really really hot.
The worst of all in my opinion is the insulting “or no”
do you think I have a valid argument for the word list or no?
I am really really relly looking forward to comments
do you have any or no!

Comment from patrick merrill
Time: January 3, 2008, 6:14 pm

Oops not ban oops but I sure thought I checked my spelling,
sorry people will you be very very forgiving or no!

Comment from Karen Anderson
Time: January 4, 2008, 2:45 am

Green.

Please don’t tell me the laundry detergent, someone’s political views, or your office supplies are “green.” Kermit is green.

Comment from A L Evans
Time: January 5, 2008, 6:34 pm

You know what I’m sayin’?

You know what I’m saying?

Comment from Tom Moore
Time: January 5, 2008, 7:09 pm

How about….
enigmatic
genre
24/7
if you will
state of the art
wellness

Comment from Dale
Time: January 8, 2008, 9:23 am

Transparent/transparency — Its current use in politics suggests that government needs to be transparent or needs more transparency, yet the words suggest ambiguity. In its original form transparency meant being able to discern an object through something else. In recent times the folks who come up with terms for computers ordained “transparency” as something computers users can use but can’t see. We really don’t need that kind of transparency in government. We need to be able to see what the rascals are doing.

Comment from Allen Lovelace
Time: January 11, 2008, 8:58 am

“take care of business” be specific about what is to be done this phrase is so over used that it is meaningless.

Comment from Larry
Time: January 15, 2008, 2:46 pm

“Actually.” I have known several people that can’t say a sentence without this word, sometimes twice, and it’s almost never needed.
“No problem.” Another habit of the mostly young, it’s substituted for “You’re welcome,” but it doesn’t mean the same thing! (I know there wasn’t a “problem”!)

Comment from Shirley
Time: January 20, 2008, 12:25 pm

I’m tired of the phrase “I am blessed” particularly as uttered by people who have never had a moment of introspection or value their place in the world. It’s become a cliche, and no longer has any meaning.

Comment from NyBoyz
Time: January 20, 2008, 9:02 pm

You know, “YOU KNOW” (and any variation thereof), very well could have “WENT MISSING” and I would have never missed either of them.

Comment from Jeffrey Alan Messer, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Time: January 24, 2008, 1:51 am

ACTUALLY

I am pleased to see this very overused word referenced above by cmdrjim, Casey Lutton, and Larry.

First came literally. It was used in a similar excessive manner for a few years. Then, “Mad TV” did a skit where two people in a movie theatre used the word literally in every sentence. Shortly after that (though not necessarily caused by the skit), the abuse of literally disappeared and was replaced by actually. It seems actually has even replaced hesitation words like “um.” I’m not seeing an abuse of actually in print or scripted material, it’s an abuse in free flowing conversation. Older and more experienced speakers do not abuse this word. Actually often appears as the first or last word in a sentence.

It even appears in 8 of the comments above (in addition to the three that complain about the word).

Comment from Jeannette
Time: January 24, 2008, 3:54 am

I’d like to abandon the phrase, “Give it up for…..” (overused by older white MCs on TV) when asking for applause for another.
Also, the use of “SHUT UP!!!!” when expressing surprise.
Finally, correcting the use of “axe” instead of “ask” should be a national campaign.

Comment from don
Time: January 28, 2008, 10:51 am

I believe “and you are?” should go as being rude, leaving out info. Also “semi/non” as in “semi/non invasive non-governmental methodology”. There’s another one - “methodology” just means “method”, meant to lend some probably undeserved credit to the user as being a “semi-nonmoron”. I’ve heard “bundle up” hyperzillions more times on weather forecasts than I wanted to. “24/7″ ditto. In addition the use of academic writing where it’s not wanted, and often not even understood is bugging. Although I realize that “hyperzillions”, “bugging” and “ditto” may make your list, we must have some words left that we can use. The promotion of Uper language however is great, as well as Uper and Canadian slang and phrases. “Eh”, “have another donut”, etc. are great. The latter phrase started a big hockey fight around 10 years ago when the Washington NHL coach yelled that at another coach - great use of the English, American, Canadian, or Uper Language.

Comment from Heidi
Time: January 31, 2008, 7:59 pm

“OMG!” and “like”. As in: OMG!, like if I see this TLA typed one more time I am going to go postal (which I am sure is a previous banished word).

Comment from David L. Gutel
Time: February 9, 2008, 12:40 pm

“Accidental overdose of heroin (or any other illegal substance)”, is a useless phrase. First of all, who knows if it was accidental unless someone witnessed the dose. Secondly, when it comes to an illegal substance e.g., heroin, ANY dose is dangerous and therefore an overdose.

Comment from David
Time: February 10, 2008, 3:37 pm

Zeitgeist. It was perfect until it was used to discuss everything from bladder control to Kids Nation. Ban it. Burn it. Throw it under the bus!

Comment from Shawn Cronkhite
Time: March 9, 2008, 2:35 pm

I believe the word ‘unisex’ is misused when you see it on a restroom door which is meant to be used by either sex.

Actually, ‘Men’ or ‘Women’ is a unisex label.

‘Uni-Restroom’ would be more correct;one restroom for all sexes.

Omnisex Restroom may work as well also, (male, female, and those undecided).

But my preferred, however slightly prejudiced (against those undecided), label would be, “Bi-Sexual Restroom.”

Comment from Cynthia Wilkinson
Time: March 17, 2008, 12:14 pm

“NOT SO MUCH.” I keep hearing this from Glenn Beck, actors in Grey’s anatomy, and other places as well. It’s really annoying how fast it’s caught on. You might like it, but me? Not so much.

Comment from Jim Forrest
Time: March 18, 2008, 3:35 pm

Re 2002 word, “Edgy” I always thought it meant nervous. I have never figured out how that can be a positive trait, or even any trait at all of an inanimate object.

Comment from Melanie
Time: March 25, 2008, 3:04 pm

Baby Bump
It’s use to describe a pregnant woman is obnoxious. More obnoxious are the paparazzi who take the pictures and the newspapers who publish them announcing a pregnancy. It’s really none of their business.

Comment from Gus Espino
Time: April 3, 2008, 10:01 am

Please ban “incidences”.
Television newscasters and commentators use that word when they mean incidents. Incident means occurrence. Incidence means the rate of occurrence or influence and requires no plural. If this is what they mean, then say incidence, not incidences. Examples: A few incidents of malaria were discovered recently. The incidence of malaria in certain countries is alarming.

Comment from Myrtle E. Gyrtle
Time: April 24, 2008, 9:56 am

Please ban “Global Warming.”

The relative temperature of the earth peaked in 1998, it has been TEN YEARS since the globe has warmed. While you are at it, ban the word “Green” since it is this years “Organic.”

Comment from Maryrose
Time: April 28, 2008, 6:39 pm

“No offense.” This phrase is used so sporadically and usually never meant. Also the word “Um”. This word is used in almost every sentenc anyone states. It shows are inability to say a correct sentence. Please put these phrase on the list!

Comment from jroxx7
Time: May 2, 2008, 12:25 pm

I nominate the annoying British phrase “to be fair”. It’s overuse is careening “out-of-control”. Must everyone preface their opinions in this way? It’s a pretentious attempt to sound non-judgemental. It must be stopped immediately!

Comment from watch
Time: June 8, 2008, 8:21 am

The word I believe should be banished is “poop”.

Comment from Eric Stamets
Time: June 12, 2008, 3:10 am

As for waterboarding (I’m talking about volumes of water pouring in your face so you think you might drown) , the surfers can do it over and over for hours and enjoy it. Then they buy some beer, say some choice words to pick up some cute chicks and head home. The terrorists are terrified (come on, some poetic justice here), say something to turn in their co-terrorists and then whine about it and seek legal redress. I mean that terrorist would like to kill as many of you as he can, and I don’t care what he says, I really don’t think you’re that bad.

Comment from Eric Stamets
Time: June 12, 2008, 3:22 am

Webinar- I weally don’t understwand why people are so espwecially wicious with this wird. It’s so woung it more than wikely just got sweperated from its mudder and got abused by some wascal.

Comment from Minden Real Estate
Time: June 21, 2008, 2:58 pm

How about “If its’ meant to be..” or “It wasn’t meant to be…”

I think this is another way of saying “I don’t really care…”

Comment from Cassandra
Time: June 27, 2008, 7:43 am

Can we please add “awkward” to 2009? I’m not sure how it didn’t make 2008. Totally overused by the teenage/young adult set.

Comment from Halil KAYA
Time: June 29, 2008, 6:19 am

The word I believe should be banished is “poop”.

http://www.gnckampus.com

Comment from Graham Lester
Time: July 1, 2008, 9:48 pm

Please ban “tipping point” now, before its overuse reaches a point of no return. Thanks.

Comment from Buxton Pete
Time: July 7, 2008, 8:00 am

If I hear one more person say “Hello!” (as in “I thought go-go boots were dead, Hello!”) I’m going to plotz!
Also, why are terms such as “24/7″ used by national news anchors?

Comment from Todd
Time: August 19, 2008, 9:38 pm

Please ban the phrase “get your foot in the door”. If you do this it will get your foor in the door with this company. If you take this job that is so low-paying it will get your foot in the door. Enough already! Also please ban “unthaw” and “unloosen”. The words are freeze and tighten. I don’t know how common this one is outside of education circles, but can we ban the word piece meaning a component or aspect of something? “We all need to work on this discipline piece.” How about “we all need to work on this discipline plan” or “we all need to work on discipline”. This is an old phrase but the question “what do you know” should not be used as a greeting. The questions itself is asking about a level of knowledge, which is not the same as hi or good morning. I also agree with the word “random” being overused. It is not just an adjective that is to be thrown around.

Comment from Todd
Time: August 19, 2008, 10:03 pm

This is another phrase heard in the education field, I’m not sure if it is used in other fields, “brain-based” learning, strategies, or methods. Did heart, kidney, lung, and colon based strategies, methods, and learning fail? If it is dealing with learning which uses the brain, then shouldn’t all of that be brain-based?

Comment from kath
Time: August 27, 2008, 12:48 am

Move Forward or Moving(the City)Forward

Is this heard constantly anywhere else beside Detroit?

Comment from Vajra Larvae
Time: August 29, 2008, 7:58 pm

“Caveat(s)” should be #1 on the banned list for the next 5 years to make sure it’s buried for good. I hate when the media uses trendy words because it’s always the square, non-imaginative types that use them as a crutch for their lack of imagination and vocabulary. I am tired of hearing pencil necked, latte-drinking, sweater wearing punk men and bifocal wearing, tired, attack of the clones, middle of the road, intellectual masturbating women use and overuse the latest word they picked up online or in the City Paper hoping to sound hip. The most ridiculous trend in American slang is when white people pick up a dead word or phrase from black slang and bring it back to life like “tha bomb” “wack” “phat” etc. Thank you all for you’re assistance on this matter and please slap the Starbucks coffee cup out of the hand of the next person you see holding one, give them a five dollar bill and tell them to “keep it real fool!”

Comment from Islamochat
Time: September 9, 2008, 11:18 pm

thanks for sharing

Comment from Don Adamson
Time: September 16, 2008, 4:20 pm

I just read Eric McMillan’s comment on ‘SURGE’. He employed the contraction, “it’s”, in place of “its”, a possessive pronoun. I really wish that certain individuals, who have no clue as to where to use apostrophes, would simply stay far away from them; they just display their ignorance. I include a lot of print journalists under this criticism.

Writers for the Winnipeg Free Press have trouble telling the difference between the two, as well as the difference between “mantle”, as in ‘mantle of power’, and “mantel”, the odd, little shelf over the fireplace. That daily needs a library of dictionaries and a platoon of proof readers {never mind the editors; usually, no better than the staff writers}.

Today, one referred to a ‘plaid’ as a checkered pattern, which any knowledgeable Highlander knows, is a ‘tartan.’ The term, ‘plaid’, is what a Scot would call a ’shawl’; much as a Mexican would call the same garment, ’serape.’ One does not hear of a “serape-patterned” scarf.

Comment from Andrea
Time: September 18, 2008, 11:24 am

Conversate! I hate when I hear some say that they want to conversate with me. The word is CONVERSE. Conversation cannot be shortened any other way.

Comment from Susan
Time: September 22, 2008, 1:56 pm

Honestly. This word is replacing actually, basically and other adverbs, used by the 30 and under crowd. It is insulting for the speaker to assume the listener believes the speaker to be dishonest. Does the speaker believe that using honestly cements his/her bona fides? Why, oh why, do people use (not utilize!) useless adverbs in oral communication?

Comment from Susan
Time: September 23, 2008, 10:55 am

Organically. Movie dialog has been written organically. Marketers are marketing organically. It’s the new adverb tripping off oh so many tongues.

Comment from Peter Tuite
Time: October 1, 2008, 12:54 pm

“caught on tape”

A staple of the world wide web and tabloid news shows.

Comment from Alex
Time: October 27, 2008, 11:27 am

Words should never change. ))

Comment from Seo
Time: November 12, 2008, 4:18 am

I would suggest “Bush”for the list of banned words…

Comment from Mr. Crab
Time: November 14, 2008, 4:55 pm

“Pacific” for “specific.” I had hoped this was limited to the one idiot I first heard utter it, but such has not been the case. Perhaps the unsuspecting ocean’s name should be changed to help the transition.

Comment from Suchmaschinenoptimierung
Time: December 11, 2008, 7:43 am

I have a suggestion for the list of banned words: economical crisis. (hope it´s the write orthography in english)

Comment from beetsnotbeats
Time: December 19, 2008, 4:39 pm

“Vacay” should be sent on a permanent one.

“Weblebrity” is supposedly a combination of web and celebrity and it’s used by some desparately hip writers to label people who gain some notoriety via the internet, e.g. Perez Hilton. Prounounced correctly, it sounds like your tongue is falling down stairs. In response, I would like to create a new word with the same spelling but pronounced WEE-bul-Brit-ee. It would be defined as an awkwardly coined neologism that overreaches for some figment of coolness and/or hipness.

Comment from Pflanzkübel
Time: December 23, 2008, 4:52 am

My banned word would be: war against terrorism!

Comment from Cousin Cory
Time: December 23, 2008, 1:58 pm

I have had more than enough of “I know, right?”

Comment from Mims
Time: December 28, 2008, 7:26 pm

Get rid of “amazing” especially when used by rejected reality show contestants who refer to their participation on the show as an “amazing journey.”

Comment from Tony
Time: December 29, 2008, 9:34 pm

Please ban “dated,” as in old, out-of-style. We should also ban “no worries” (UGH- HATE THAT PHRASE!), “Hot Mess”, “irregardless,”snap (as in “Oh, snap!”)”, “sick (as in awesome)”, “rust belt,” “sun belt” and “domestic engineer.”

Comment from Arzneien
Time: December 30, 2008, 10:44 am

I suggest the words “Oh my god!”. Why is everyone saying that, but no one meaning it?!

Comment from Nick
Time: December 30, 2008, 3:39 pm

Please ban the phrase “You won’t.” It’s used when you say you’ll do something and the responder wants a quick phrase to utter back. “You won’t” is usually not used seriously either. Everyone in my high school is saying it and it drives me crazy.

Comment from Toby Karl
Time: December 30, 2008, 5:26 pm

I nominate:
1. Unique with a modifier i.e. really unique, very unique, truly unique etc. Unique is unique.
2. Nauseous in place of nauseated. Unless you really are nauseous. Look it up.
3. “Closure” and the “healing process” - both need to go
4. “At the end of the day”
5. Of-ten. It’s pronounced Off-en.
6. Between you and I.
7. “Thrown under the bus” needs to be thrown under the bus

Comment from mart
Time: December 30, 2008, 5:36 pm

“as well” “on a (whatever) basis” “Due to the fact that.” Please, more words makes for more inane chatter, it doesn’t display increased understanding…

Comment from Toby Karl
Time: December 30, 2008, 5:43 pm

In response to comments from Jack Doyle - the former dictator of Cuba was Fulgencio Batista, not Juan Batista.

Comment from nathan volk
Time: December 30, 2008, 11:44 pm

Please help me kill forever the phrase “peace out”. Not only is the phrase annoying just to say and hear, it makes zero sense on any level.

Add in the triple annoying, grating fact that it has been adopted by seemingly every white upper middle class suburban teenager and yuppie 20 something as a favorite way to tell someone they don’t like or are arguing with: good bye. Obviously these smart mouths think the phrase sounds hip, cool, urban, “ghetto”, beatnick, hippie or some other phoney image they have zero legitimate life experience in trying to project.

Maybe it’s because the average nimrod who uses it gets their cross-cultural and economic exposure from a Terence Howard flick or from brousing the sales wrack at “Urban Outfitters”?

It’s just too idiotic and phoney to be allowed to continue to grow unchecked.

Maybe mommy and daddy will go buy them another way to say good bye when they write them the next tuition check or blow 20 bills on their dream wedding.

Please help a fellow Michigander in his quest to ban this sorry phrase.

Comment from Lee
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:24 am

How about all the highly edumacated corporate and political beauties that ” grow a ………” as in a concept, company or community endeavor. How about not being pretentious and stating that you are a part of making that entity grow with your efforts. Seems grammatically poor phrasing to reverse the intent to sound more impressive. Duh, my Haaavaad prof didn’t tell me not too.

Comment from Terri
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:20 am

PLEASE add “infrastructure” to the list. I am SOOOO sick of it!

Comment from Kristy
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:24 am

POP! Everyone will “pop” this in the oven. “pop” it in the drawer. “pop” that open. I HATE IT!

And everything. I went to dinner “and everything.” Then I went to school “and everything.”

“UM” Um, I’m not sure. Um, okay that’s cool. Um, I don’t know. UM, UM, UM!!

Blah-zey Blah-zey. We were talking and blah-zay blah-zay.

Same difference! THAT MAKES NO SENSE. Something can’t be the SAME difference!

Comment from Jody from Marq., MI
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:36 am

Could you please add “WHATEVER”. I mean is any explanation as to why even necessary.

Comment from jill J
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:39 am

“I threw up a little in my mouth” has got to go!

Comment from Dominick
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:41 am

EPIC!!
Epic Fail.
Epic Speech.
Epic This.
Epic That.
It’s an Epic Joke!!

Comment from Late night girl
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:47 am

Banish the phrase (or filler) ” …be that as it may.” It drives me crazy when people say this phrase when starting a sentence or trying to prove a point! Makes me grind my teeth together !

Comment from matt
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:49 am

How about the phrase “…each blank blanker than the next”? Not only is it wordy and pointless, but the way it is said conveys the opposite of what it is supposed to mean.

Comment from Frankie
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:50 am

It’s nice to see that no one has any PROBLEMS now. But watch out for those ISSUES!!!

Comment from Gerald Andrews
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:51 am

Are you REALLY collecting words now for the 2010 list or did you really mean 2009? And will anyone even remember hearing the words/phrases submitted now by the end of next year anyway? Maybe you should start collecting words in September for the list issued at the end of that year, in order to have a timely list - without (in effect) just dumping the words that were submitted earlier.

Comment from tracy
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:51 am

“At the end of the day”. It is the most overused phrase I’ve heard this year.

Comment from Armando Gomez
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:05 am

A widely misused word is ‘I mean’, specially when used at the beginning of a sentence, like in “What do you think of the performance of——— in today’s game?” “I mean, he was incredible” What could you possibly mean if you haven’t said anything yet? Also people saying “should’ve took”, or “should’ve went”, and I don’t mean high school dropouts, but syndicated sport writers with college education.

Comment from David Milliken
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:59 am

Lets get a headstart on next year “so to speak”. Nooooooo, lets not, so to speak. It makes me crazy everytime someone, so to speak s, instead of leaving what is said as said or saying whatever it was they meant to say. At this point it doesn’t matter to me because the lost me at “so to…”.

Comment from justin
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:01 am

I am so tired of Obama saying ” American People” he uses it in every sentence.

Comment from Gerald Wilson
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:13 am

i have 2

#1 snap! i hate it when people use this they sound ignorant!

#2 came up missing! DUH! if it came up it’s there if it’s missing it’s gone
i guess #3 could be DUH lol

Comment from Chrystal Russell
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:22 am

I hate the word “surreal”. For one thing, people who say it use it incorrectly (as a synonym for “awesome”). For another thing, it’s just a stupid word. It grates on me worse than nails on a chalkboard…PLEASE ban it already!

Comment from Akbar
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:24 am

My Eternal stop it please list is 1) Nword, of course but, 2)”paradigm shift” from non-scholarly peoples mostly; but now even members of the academy are overusing it. I guess calling me “hun” and “buddy” in the grocery store is kinda annoying. Hope it does not spread to the bank tellers!

Comment from Gica
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:30 am

“Organic” food is a terrible lie! It is just a big lie to increase the sales of food producers.

Comment from Ken
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:03 am

Banish is such a strong unforgiving word.
But we should banish the phrase: “be that as it may” which has been overused and elicits a highly emetic reaction?
And other superfluous pretentious phrases.

Comment from Stephen
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:08 am

For God’s sake I am tired of hearing everyone say “You know what?”, and then proceeding to tell us “what” before anyone has a chance to ask them. I hear this phrase multiple times a day and I am sick of it.

Comment from Stephen
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:12 am

It should be illegal for the news networks to constantly flash “Breaking News” across the screen. Everything has to be breaking news these days. I once saw a breaking news phrase scroll across to tell us there have been no new developments. If we ever have any real breaking news we won’t pay attention, just like we don’t pay attention to the stupid car alarms.

Comment from Jacob
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:31 am

My word would be like. By far the most overly used word in the English language. “And Cindy was like so mad at Bobby; and then Bobby like, got like totally mad; and like, I don’t like… know what to do. So can you like, give me some advice? Like… really good advice. Like, omg that’d be great.”

Totally and omg are like totally ban-worthy words too. OMG!

Comment from Barton Katz
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:44 am

Another on the way is. I’m a fan of. These saying’s start out west another one is That’s what I do. People are uninventive with there word vocabulary.

Comment from Barton Katz
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:47 am

remember the 70’s phrase, go for it. thank someone that phrase died out.

Comment from Marto
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:21 am

I think “pet-friendly” is over used. Most people are not “pet-enemies”

Comment from Tina D., Homosassa, FL
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:27 am

by in large - is this how it is spelled? Webster’s didn’t have it.
It is used by the media like a new toy.

Comment from David Crabtree
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:28 am

Awesome, Dawg, Whassup( A new ketchup?), Dudio (like Daddy-o?), Der Cluelessprecken has got to go.

Comment from Aki Cusi
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:47 am

“EMO”–everybody is using it eventhough, they don’t know what the exact meaning of it!

Comment from Timothy Singleton
Time: December 31, 2008, 6:49 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 Michelle
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:04 am

I sick and tired of “meltdown” now being used for everything!!! Housing meltdown, economic meltdown, environmental meltdown….Melt it down and throw it out!!!

Comment from Vickie Daniel
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:06 am

I can’t stand the word “ginormous”, the “cutesy” (another word) attempt to combine gigantic and enormous. Please, just use the English language properly.

Comment from Dave
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:09 am

“…at the end of the day” PLEASE!”

Comment from Kathy
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:18 am

How about “there you go” when someone can’t think of anything else to say and that is their standard response.

Comment from Tam
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:26 am

Actually (can’t even watch Vern Yip on HGTV anymore because of his incessant overuse of this word), amazing (Ellen, love you, but PLEASE find a new adjective!), awesome, basically, literally, as well, transition/transitioning, segway, under the bus, push the envelope, organic, green, baby bump, rocking (as in someone is ‘rocking that outfit’), often (with the hard ‘t’) going/moving forward, price point, pop/pops (in reference to decorating)…probably more but those are the words/phrases that make me cringe.

Comment from andrea shankman
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:30 am

What about ‘vetted,’ as in ‘to vet’ a candidate for political office. Was this word ever used so frequently in the past? I am not even sure that I ever heard it before.

Comment from Josh
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:43 am

I honestly cant see how “change” is not in the list, i swear, i hear the word “change” one more time. I’m going to go crazy, everyone is using change. Ever since Obama, change has beed a very common word, heres the truth people, he isnt going to “change” a thing. How come Maverick got on the list and not “change” guess the world is full of stupid Liberal Democrats nowadays.

Comment from Acoustic Bob
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:00 am

If some of these are duplications of other people’s suggestions, please consider them confirmations or votes for them.

“Up”, used gratuitously, as in “Clean up your room,” or something “burned up.” “Clean your room,” or “it burned,” say the same thing w/o the “up” at the end.

“Totally”, when they mean “completely.”

“At The End Of The Day” gets my hearty vote.

“Different Than”, terrible non-standard English, is showing up at the highest levels of writing.

“Really quick” instead of “please.”

“-thon”, every sales “event,” especially involving cars, is some kind of thon, like a “sale-a-thon,” or a “Toyota-thon.” The most obnoxious commercial lately is all about the “Toyotathon of Toyotathons!” Grrrrr

“Lay” when they mean “lie.”

“Obviously” There is no non-insulting use of that word.

Comment from Acoustic Bob
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:04 am

“Let me speak frankly” or “If I may speak candidly”…
How were you speaking previously?

Comment from Sue
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:10 am

The words “with that said” You already said it continue with the conversation already.

Comment from John
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:28 am

“I will get back to you at my earliest convenience” This an extremely ignorant corruption of, “at your earliest convenience.” It makes me want to respond, “Of course, Your Majesty.”

Comment from Lee
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:37 am

I’d like to banish “vet” (in the political sense, NOT the veteran sense or animal doctor sense). Everyone was vetting this person or vetting that person. “Hey! I’m vetting this guy! I’m all trendy and cooler than my opponent!” Shut. Up.

Comment from mike lech
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:42 am

Bab “going forward” fro politicians comments and ban “Might wnat to take an umbrella” fromweather forecasts that predict rain.

Comment from Paul
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:49 am

“Amazing”
That was “amazing”. You are “amazing”. You “amaze” me. What an “amazing” experience. I am so “amazed”. WOW! Amazing. It is “amazing” she was not hurt.

Comment from don
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:55 am

“Step up to the Plate” I like baseball like every other american but do we really need to hear this phrase every time some one needs to perform their responsibilites.

Comment from scott sylte
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:05 am

fundamental, fundamentals, fundamentally/sound/stable/unstable/rights, fundamentalism!!!
The reason is “elementary” my dear Watson: It has become over used. How about some “basic” variations: axiological, axiomatic, basal, bottom, bottom-line, cardinal, central, constitutional, constitutive, crucial, elemental, elementary, essential, first, foundational, grass-roots, indispensable, integral, intrinsic, key, major, meat-and-potatoes, necessary, organic, original, paramount, primary, prime, primitive, primordial, principal, radical, requisite, rudimentary, significant, structural, substratal, substrative, supporting, sustaining, theoretical, underived, underlying, vital. The political scene of 2008 fundamentally poisoned the word.

Comment from Sunny
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:19 am

How about the phrase: “Going forward”? It’s the blood brother to “at this point in time,” and I’d rather hear “from now on,” which says the same thing without the pretentiousness. After all, it’s TIME “going forward,” not the speaker. That one’s standing still every time the phrase is uttered!

Comment from Kevin Driscoll
Time: December 31, 2008, 9:24 am

I offer: “That being said,…”; “Having said that,…”; “That having been said,…”; “That said,….” and any other form of this atrociously overused inanity.

Comment from Tricia
Time: December 31, 2008, 10:23 am

what about my favorite word “whatever”….I like it too much to ban it, but will ban “DUDE” egads…ok, theres another one. AND “multi task”..if anyone knows, multi tasking is NOT the way to go, it has been documented that trying to do ALL things at the same time, slows down the brain, and takes longer to get back to the task at hand and longer to refocus. UGH…OH, heres a good one “unemployment”…

Comment from Brette
Time: December 31, 2008, 10:29 am

How about “moving forward”? You can’t listen to interviews with various government officials without hearing it over and over. Also very tired of “Oh, my god,” “um” and “like” as in “I was, like, amazed.” “Amazing” is another word that has been overused to distraction. Make it stop!!!

Comment from Mark end of day
Time: December 31, 2008, 10:31 am

Please, please ban the use of the phrase, “At the end of the day” unless it is actually being used to describe the end of a particular day.

It cannot be over used one more time by a boss describing what they want something to look like.

Comment from David Secor
Time: December 31, 2008, 11:19 am

“Going Forward”
As in the future? Legal and Polictical types, aided by the Media use this akward referal to future outcomes…Harry Reid should say, we completely screwed up our country, us Ivy League graduates with J.D.’s, but “going forward” will will correct things….
As Ron Raegan said, “the worst words Americans can ever hear are ;I’m from the government and I am hear to help “

Dave, Lutherville, MD

Comment from Mean O’l Aunt Patti
Time: December 31, 2008, 11:31 am

“MY BAD”…….where did this come from…had to be somebody illiterate. These words have been banished from my home since I first heard it. In using these words together makes us….the United States…. sound stupid!

Comment from J. Gaugh
Time: December 31, 2008, 11:57 am

The words I hear too much, especially when watching CNBC, is “demand destruction”.

Comment from TonyF
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:32 pm

“Fo shizzle my nizzle” has to go. Actually, any word that has been modified to be different from it’s original and have any of the “-izzle” endings on it should go. I’m tired of people using this “speech”. It sounds uneducated and rediculous.

Comment from Jennifer
Time: December 31, 2008, 12:32 pm

I personally don’t ever want to hear the phrase “Joe the Plumber” ever again. Talk about overused campaign jargon, and the fact that they needed a random plumber to help a sinking campaign…Joe should stick to unclogging toilets, not campaigning.

Comment from Heidi
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:04 pm

“utilized” This word is over-utilized by people trying to sound intelligent. It means something is being used for other than its intended purpose. You would “use” a screwdriver to remove that screw, but you might”utilize” a steak knife to remove move it if you had no screwdriver. Please just say “used” if that’s what you mean.

Comment from BUBBA
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:13 pm

ISSUES, to say someone has issues should mean one has lots of magazine subscriptions, not mental,mechanical or physical concerns or problems.

Comment from G. M. Edwards
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:28 pm

get rid of disrespected and dissed also no problem

Comment from Cindy Butts
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:41 pm

Scenario. Lose it - press and non-press. This is the most affected, stupid and inane word in use.

Comment from Tom
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:53 pm

“Artisan” used to describe any food… (i.e. “served to you on delicious artisan bread”). What a joke….are they serious? Yum, my bread was made by an “artist.” The use of this phrase is so overused and tired. Do the people making my turkey sandwich really consider themselves artists? Food for thought.

Comment from laura
Time: December 31, 2008, 1:53 pm

please banish the phrase “ponzi scheme”. i’m so fed up hearing about how much Bernie Madoff stole from everyone and then seeing him on t.v. with a permanent smile on his mug!!

Comment from childred@sfu.ca
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:03 pm

basically -

Comment from Greg Grady
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:10 pm

“At this point in time” How about just saying NOW????

Comment from Hank
Time: December 31, 2008, 2:54 pm

I can’t stand all of the home remake shows that refer to a room as “this space”. What’s wrong with calling a room a room?
Other words I hate are diverse and deversity. Its like the use of the word green. If an organisation is green or diverse or both, then, they must by defination be acceptable and better that others.

Comment from Bob Hilts
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:17 pm

We need to ban “you know”. The reason is I do not know, you know>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Comment from Elf Sternberg
Time: December 31, 2008, 3:21 pm

“Embolden?”

No word has become more overused and tiresome than “emboldened.” During the 2008 election, we saw “emboldened” used over and over to create fear of one party or the other, one candidate or the other. Campaign rhetoric would “embolden the enemy,” policy proposals might “embolden the opposition,” or a poor marketing campaign might “embolden the competition.”

I will be satisfied if, in 2009, we cease “emboldening” everything and everyone, and start using either “encourage” or “irritate,” depending upon one’s meaning, instead.

Comment from Robert McDermott
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:08 pm

I think we need to ban the term ” Queen’s English” as this is AMERICA, Not England. We have NO Queen. We have the American Language with all of its colorful slang terms.

Comment from donna
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:14 pm

how about ” A Tragedy that Almost Happened!” If it didn’t happen, it wasn’t a tragedy, was it?

And “tsunami”.

Comment from oldtimer
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:15 pm

AMAZING !!!

Anyone that has ever seen 2 under 30 something girls talking must have heard them say, “she looks soooooo AMAZING” or something like, “She has such an AMAZING” job.
This is certainly a mis-use of the word, AMAZING.
Here’s an example of the word, AMAZING, used properly:

My buddy told me he was sitting down in his recliner to watch the Brownies. He got nice and comfortable then popped open a nice cold beer. All of a sudden a mist came out of the beer can and slowly turned into a gorgeous young lady. This lady then blew my buddy. That, my friends, is AMAZING !!!!!

Comment from Dell
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:29 pm

word to be banned: CONVERSATING. There is no such word but a certain segment of the American population started to use this word in place of “having a conversation” No excuse to legitimize bad english.

Comment from Sue Rhodes
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:46 pm

I nominate “perfect storm” .

Comment from Allison
Time: December 31, 2008, 4:48 pm

“Like” when not used to compare two things, or “or whatever.” Like, maybe, if we, like, stopped, like, saying “like,” or whatever, maybe, we could like, sound, like smart, or whatever!
I hear variations of the phrase above so many times a day it makes me want to puke.

Comment from Scott
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:06 pm

The phrase “deja vu all over again” makes me so irritated. Even national news people use this redundancy. It was funny when I first heard it. I think it was one of Yogi Berra’s quotes, and was not an intentional redundancy, but people use it over and over again - I guess that really is a case of deja vu all over again. But stop it!

Comment from Shannon
Time: December 31, 2008, 5:31 pm

“With that being said” …. Of course it was said, you just said it… did you think I didn’t hear it. You didn’t sign it, you didn’t write it, why do you have to tell me how the communication was given.

Comment from Phillip Barton
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:05 pm

“Grow” — to increase or expand business — was a no-no word back in 1996. Perhaps, if you’ve ever repeated a word, THIS is one to be noted. I promise not to grow my business if you’ll help me increase or expand it. I’ve work out three dental plates gritting my teeth over this word.

Comment from Tracy
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:50 pm

I have several words to submit. I want to ban the following words or prhases:

- POLICALLY CORRECT
Last time I checked we have the freedom of speech, and who said we must be polically correct? What is polically correctness? I will say Merry Christmas if I want to.
I apologize if this has been on other lists.

- CHANGE
What change? Change what? How do we change something that is not defined? Please, ban this word forever.

- GAY UNIONS OR GAY MARRIAGE!
Currently, there are only 2 States - I think 3 now - which recognize any type of formal and legal bond between homosexuals (gay and lesbian), so what is a “gay marriage”? In 48/47 out of 50 States, there is no such thing. In addition, gay individuals can receive legal rights in respect to insurance, wills, etc… that heterosexual couples have. Yet, being a minimual portion of our society, why is the majority being dictated by the minority. Last time I checked, I thought the government belonged to the people by the people, and the people in 47 states have spoken. They voted to ammend their State Constitution, so that is the way it is. I do not like a lot of laws or agree with the majority of voters, but I still must accept it and follow the laws. Believe me, I am not discriminating or making light of the situation. I am trying to make a point, and honestly the phrase Gay Marriages or Gay Unions is being defined in various manners, and I think it is time to get rid of the prhase.

Comment from E Campbell
Time: December 31, 2008, 7:51 pm

I am tired of hearing “like” after every other word. Also using so-o-o -o as a substitute for very. Going forward and on the ground are also overused. I’m sure there are many more.

Comment from John Loughry
Time: December 31, 2008, 8:31 pm

If I can do it, you can do it!

Oh really??? Just because something works for one person or a group of people doesn’t mean that it will work for everyone. Like the stupid Nutra (Nutri?) System for Men/Women, etc etc, The commercials that the football players are hocking. Its very very annoying.

Comment from Jerri Bennett-Van Houten
Time: December 31, 2008, 11:06 pm

I nominate, from every TV news story ever written involving firearms, ‘’shots rang out'’. If you’ve ever done any shooting, you know that gunshots don’t RING. I’m sick of hearing this on the local news. Totally lacking in creativity and accuracy.

Comment from Dan Gardner
Time: January 1, 2009, 3:47 am

The word I want to see used correctly is “Like…” It’s misuse use has crept into the vernacular as an unneccessary addition to many statements. One often hears things like “I was like riding my bike…”, or “We were like at the movies…”. The work “like” is useless in these types of statements. One was either riding a bike or not, or at the movies or not. Please just say what you mean, instead of saying something “like” what you mean. See now even I am like doing it. Damn, see how annoying that is.

Comment from Alina Hritz
Time: January 1, 2009, 11:35 am

The phrase “I know, right?” needs to die a painful death. It is just one more expression related to our current obsession with hyperbole. Apparently the problem or issue in question is so outrageous that one cannot simply say “I know!” or “Right?,” but one must combine the two as though playing with celebrity names like Brangelina (which also needs to go!.) The phrase is annoying and unnecessary. Please, everyone. Let’s stop it soon!

Comment from richard kukowski
Time: January 1, 2009, 3:57 pm

It’s unbelievable how overused unbelievable is.
Why not use incredible ? It’s a far more credible
word.

Comment from Tom Reilly
Time: January 1, 2009, 4:02 pm

Whe did :”at this point in time” replace “at this time”

Comment from David Johnson
Time: January 1, 2009, 4:18 pm

“That’s what I’m talking about” - It is impossible to be talking about “that” when making this statement!

Comment from Mathew Snyder
Time: January 1, 2009, 5:51 pm

Referring to a show as having any variation of “a twist”. I’m so tired of hearing about how I should watch a show because it comes “with a twist” that I really want to shoot the announcers that utter these moronic words.

Comment from Mathew Snyder
Time: January 1, 2009, 5:57 pm

Another I think should be given the heave-ho is referring to anything as “homemade” when it is made in the back of a storefront.

Comment from James Conley
Time: January 1, 2009, 11:36 pm

One of the most annoying phrases to ever have been put together is “give it up for…..”. What is this? Giveup what, my seat, my wallet, my kids? The emcee of any event when introducing a performer or guest should just say lets have a nice warm welcome for…..

Comment from Allison
Time: January 2, 2009, 10:25 am

“Ice”= referring to bling which refers to jewlery

“In conclusion” This one just irritates me. People should not be saying this. If we understood what you were saying then we do not need a conclusion. This is also annoying when it is written in papers–come up with a better transition!

Redonkulous…just say ridiculous!

“And such”

” ‘nuf said”…how about enough?

“crack-a-lackin’”…as in “what’s crack-a-lackin’?” What about how are you?

Basically

Actually

Lame

“-icious”…stupid ending to a word.

Fantabulous….a horrid mix of fabulous and fantastic

“Not to go without mentioning”

I also hate when people put “way” in place of extremely or very.

Thank you for letting me rant!

Comment from Margaret
Time: January 2, 2009, 10:30 am

In the political area of your list please add the phrase, “You betcha.”

In the general section, please add “It’s all good.” My observation is this phrase means “It isn’t really very good at all but if I say this, at the end of the day, I might be able to convince you and me that it is all good.”

Basically, that is all I have at this point in time.

Comment from David K
Time: January 2, 2009, 11:33 am

“I know…right?”

Comment from Janet
Time: January 2, 2009, 11:59 am

I have a word or two or three…

Awesome…so overused.
Kudos…same as above.
Cynergy…come on!

Comment from Steve - MT ‘64
Time: January 2, 2009, 12:45 pm

“The bridge to nowhere” should be sent to the trash pile. I’m not sure if anyone else suggested this phase, but if they did I second it.

Comment from Jeffery Sargent
Time: January 2, 2009, 1:32 pm

Misuse of the word “Medium” as a size by many food chains.
Quoted verbatim, as (well as a close match to several other interchanges):
“Would you like a medium or large, Sir?”
“What about small?”
“Sorry Sir, there is no small - just medium and large”

You can’t have a medium unless you have at least 3 choices - one at either extreme, and one in the middle.

Comment from Jeffery Sargent
Time: January 2, 2009, 2:34 pm

How about the use of “I could care less” - I can always care less, but if something is irrelevant, I COULDN’T care less.

This whole exercise is like swatting mayflies - catchphrases, memes, and buzzwords are, by their nature, shortlived. They are fads, and as such disappear as soon as they fall out of fashion. They are a darwinian experiment: the survivors enter the language organically for whatever reason they manage to survive, whereas the rest follow “groovy” down the drainpipe.

If I did have something to seriously wish would leave the mental landscape of the nation, it would be the entire oeuvre of Cartman, that moral compass of a generation who seems to be unpleasantly long-lived. As an adult, I initially enjoyed the abject “wrongness” of Cartman, but he has become an avatar for the irresponsible spleen-venting of a generation, a role model for spite. He has almost singlehandedly made hate fashionable. So let’s see the dismissive use of the word “hippie” and phrase “tree-hugger” go the way of the dodo.

Comment from Dave Smith
Time: January 2, 2009, 3:04 pm

” Oh absolutely!”
The talking heads say this over & over all day long.

Comment from Jeffery Sargent
Time: January 2, 2009, 3:17 pm

Some minor clarifications:
-The use of “hot” in reference to events or fashions was in reference to it’s freshness - as in hot off the giddle. A hot trend or fashion means it’s fresh from the kitchen, and therefore at it’s peak of pallateability. The inverse, “cold”, refers to it having sat out too long and is no longer worthy of consumption.

-To speak frankly or candidly, while slightly different in meaning, were meant as alternatives to speaking politely - from a time when people exercised a certain degree of self-control while speaking. “Okay, you’ve heard the socially pleasant version; here’s the plain truth, or my own personal opinion”.

As to several of words mentioned in the list: it’s been held in some academic circles that the worst thing to happen to the english language was Webster, referring to the calcification of language by solidly defining it via dictionaries. Language is a living thing; it grows, it branches out, according to it’s time. It’s very common for previous/next generations to resent their opposite’s contributions: the next generation wants to break free from the previous generation’s language, whereas the older generation wants to cling to the language they learned, giving them stability in a world the fear they are becoming less and less relevant in.

Comment from Todd
Time: January 2, 2009, 8:41 pm

Here’s a phrase that ought to be banished - “Not that there’s anything wrong with it” - used immediately after mentioning that someone’s gay. Still makes it sound like being gay is second class, if that additional phrase even needs to be added. Used only by straight folks.

Comment from Terry
Time: January 3, 2009, 8:15 am

Are all Majorities Vast? I’ll bet the vast majority of them are!!

Comment from ray wells
Time: January 5, 2009, 12:28 am

as a newspaperman from Australia i find most annoying are little favorites like “Basically, what we do is …’ you either do it or you don’t do it. Also, new records. All records are new.

Comment from Steuerberater
Time: January 5, 2009, 5:14 am

How about “war against terrorism”?

Comment from DNG
Time: January 5, 2009, 3:38 pm

“Natch” and “To Boot”. Ban them, please. These cutesy words used by journalists, often in women’s publications and entertainment magazines, are humiliating and make me want to “gag”.

Comment from chuck kiefer
Time: January 5, 2009, 4:20 pm

Another that is proliferating: Score the ball, as in score a basket .

Comment from Quentin Decker
Time: January 5, 2009, 6:47 pm

One of my students once told me, “Hey, Mr. Decker, I totally saw you on the freeway this morning.” (Was I naked?)

Instead of “focus,” why don’t just concentrate?

Please find a suitable replacement for “amazing.” Very few things called that are.

Ms. Kennedy better stop saying “ya’ know” 27 times in one paragraph or she will be laughed off the podium. Maybe she was born with a silver foot in her mouth, as was G.W.

And finally, we have GOT to find a substitute for the pretty-much overused expression, “pretty-much.”

Comment from Quentin Decker
Time: January 5, 2009, 6:52 pm

My comment about “focus,” should have read, “Why don’t we just concentrate?” I left out the “we.” I guess I wasn’t concentrating!

Comment from Miki
Time: January 6, 2009, 2:53 am

My word is “ANYWAYS”. It’s not even a word… It’s anyWAY. There’s only one way, and that’s the only way to go.

Comment from Article Directory
Time: January 6, 2009, 5:06 am

“charging low prices” or “

Comment from Peter
Time: January 6, 2009, 10:01 am

Where is “It is was it is”?

Comment from Van Moore
Time: January 6, 2009, 11:53 am

If I hear one more time about something/anything “..for the soul”, I will be tempted to give the person a little of my “sole”. Enough already!

Comment from Ashley
Time: January 6, 2009, 4:04 pm

I would like to banish the word “regular”. It holds no meaning to anyone but the person using it. Regular to one is not regular to another. In the food service industry, it means nothing to the person taking your order.

Also, this isn’t really a word, but I would like to banish “6-month anniversaries” The word anniversary implies something that occures yearly.

Comment from Ashley
Time: January 6, 2009, 4:05 pm

I would like to banish the word “regular”. It holds no meaning to anyone but the person using it. Regular to one is not regular to another. In the food service industry, it means nothing to the person taking your order.

Also, this isn’t really a word, but I would like to banish “6-month anniversaries” The word anniversary implies something that occurs yearly.

Comment from Sherri McFarland
Time: January 7, 2009, 7:48 am

I would like to add the word “absolutely” to the banished list, and more importantly, it’s variation abso-LUTE-ly. Substituting ‘absoLUTEly’ for ‘yes’ does not make you sound more intelligent or interesting!!!

Comment from Paul Seabrook
Time: January 7, 2009, 2:39 pm

“all new” refering to TV shows that are not reruns. As if it could be partially new!

Comment from Paul Seabrook
Time: January 7, 2009, 2:40 pm

“This point in time” Give me a break, can’t we say now?

Comment from gun_will_travel
Time: January 7, 2009, 6:17 pm

*facepalm*

or any other asterisked actions

Comment from phil barreca
Time: January 7, 2009, 10:17 pm

clean coal = oxymoronic. when did coal become clean energy?

Comment from Jayne Buryn
Time: January 7, 2009, 11:24 pm

Please, please add to next year’s list the phrase “I’m dating myself” when referring to something that occured in, refers to, or was common in the “not that distant” a past. I am so tired of hearing people apologize for knowing something that younger generations may not be aware of.
Thanks.

Comment from Copperfall
Time: January 8, 2009, 2:42 pm

“at” as in “Where are you at?” “Where are they at?” “Where did she get that at?”

Comment from Robert Kerr
Time: January 8, 2009, 4:09 pm

Please ban the phrase “IT IS WHAT IT IS.” Of course it is. Can anything be more self-evident? We need to be aware of what this phrase ISN’T — a meaningful way to communicate anything!

Comment from John Casnig
Time: January 9, 2009, 2:02 pm

“Man up” should be struck down. Seemingly unaware of these times of gender equality, this phrase insists that responsibility is a prerequisite of manhood. Actually, responsibility is a prerequisite of adulthood - male or female.

Comment from Squish
Time: January 9, 2009, 2:14 pm

Prefacing with “actually”…. Implication- what I’m about to tell you is true. Unless I find out otherwise, I’m assuming you believe everything you are saying is true.

Right now. If speaking in the present tense- what other time would you be referring to? Example: Are you kidding me right now?

Comment from Jason
Time: January 9, 2009, 2:27 pm

“First and foremost” has to go! If we can’t banish this synonymic, let’s all start saying “First, foremost and primarily”

Comment from Susan
Time: January 9, 2009, 2:45 pm

I am amazed that “the reality is” didn’t make the list. Let’s banish, banish, banish this one.

Comment from Befalfu
Time: January 9, 2009, 2:55 pm

Away with PRE-RECORDED, 24/7, CLASSIC and HEY! as a greeting. NBC news people sound particularly silly saying this.

Comment from Adriane
Time: January 9, 2009, 3:05 pm

I cringe each time I hear the phrase “Butt Naked”. ARRGGHH!
It’s “BUCK NAKED” !!!!!

It’s even been on covers of national magazines.

I weep for the younger generation.

Comment from Adriane
Time: January 9, 2009, 3:07 pm

Another one…..”at the end of the day”.

Just a stupid phrase.

Comment from Gail G.
Time: January 9, 2009, 3:10 pm

Please ban the phrase “at the end of the day”, unless, of course, it appropriately refers to that time on a specified day!
It seems to have become a verbal place-holder, much like “you know” and “uhmm”. People I know who use it ( and New York City dwellers seem to offend the most ) manage to use it several times per conversation. CUT IT OUT!

Comment from Janet Robash
Time: January 9, 2009, 5:03 pm

There are two words I hate. 1.) “of” as in, “It wasn’t that big of a deal,” or “I can’t believe he made that big of a mistake.” 2.) “different” as in, “The candidate traveled to 7 different states,” or “The shirt is available in 5 different colors.”

Comment from Cal Wolcott
Time: January 9, 2009, 5:36 pm

“Have a good one.” I have heard this phrase with increasing regularity in the past several weeks, usually from younger people in service positions. It’s meaningless.

Comment from Kathleen
Time: January 9, 2009, 6:16 pm

Can we PLEASE get rid of the habit of adding the word “gate” to every political scandal. 3 generations have no clue where the anoying tag word originated and, of course, the now trendy word “tasking” & “tasked”. Can’t we please just go back to assigning a task?

Comment from Joy
Time: January 9, 2009, 6:24 pm

Please ban the phrase “That being said”. We can read. We know what you said. Get to the point! I am also sick of everyone and their Grandpa being labeled a “hero”. Anytime anyone does the right thing they’re a “hero”. That’s not being a “hero” it’s common sense.

Comment from Mary Kay
Time: January 9, 2009, 6:46 pm

“Old World” on those decorating shows. Hey, what world would that be? Our ancestors come from a lot of different worlds - would that be Old Africa, Old Japan, Old France, or where…?

Comment from R.A. LANDRESS
Time: January 9, 2009, 8:04 pm

Know whut I mean? (after every statement) Used to convince others you are right, no matter what have done.

Comment from R.A. LANDRESS
Time: January 9, 2009, 8:21 pm

AS WELL -WHAT HAPPENED TO ALSO? I DIS-AGREE WITH USING AS WELL INSTEAD OF ALSO. DO YOU DIS-AGREE AS WELL OR DO YOU DISAGREE ALSO?

Comment from Rob
Time: January 9, 2009, 9:37 pm

By now, we need a better word than “recession”, that barely describes my hairline. “Trillion” is becomming way to common in our everyday dialogue. “Shawty” never should have seen the light of day, and I’m still waiting for our loved ones to “return on success.”

Comment from Rob
Time: January 9, 2009, 9:42 pm

Better idea, instead of banning these innocent words, just shun the fools that use them.

Comment from Joy Bomar
Time: January 12, 2009, 1:36 pm

I had to go all the way back to 1990 to find that the use of the innocent noun, “impact” as a verb had been banished. I suspected as much. However, the sports stations have now begun to use “impact” as an adjective; i.e., “impact” players. Reminds me of a paper I read once on the “F” word with all of its uses (as a noun, verb, exclamation, adjective, adverb, etc.) Guess that is what will eventually happen with “impact”.

Comment from Chris
Time: January 15, 2009, 8:56 am

“CZAR” We live in the USA, not RUSSIA. FOX News and CNN are both guilty of using it, DROP IT!

Comment from Jasmine
Time: January 17, 2009, 11:25 pm

As a teenager myself, I CAN’T STAND IT when my cohorts use the adjective “sick” to mean “cool” or “neat” or “interesting.” Now, when someone says sick, you can’t tell if it means “pathologically disgusting” or “the most amazing contribution to mankind since the invention of syntax” or anything in-between! I can only say that I am sick of it!

Comment from Jasmine
Time: January 17, 2009, 11:27 pm

also, how about “no-offense?” It’s a coward’s word!

Comment from Eleanor Cook
Time: January 18, 2009, 5:17 pm

Whenever the media wants to let us know alot of people were involved, they exclaim that “tens of thousands” of them were there.

I don’t see anyone complaining about “hearts and minds.” Was that on an earlier list?

I hate it when something is due “by the end of business”

Anything that is “one-off”

And frankly, you know, it’s deal-breaker!

Comment from Donald
Time: January 18, 2009, 9:14 pm

“Change” needs to be retired and rehabilitated. It’s has been use as an incantation too often during the recent election follies without any specificity as to what change anyone has in mind, whether there is any planning involved, or how to implement it. An electorate that confuses politics with show business will inevitably embrace celebrity and style, so…yep, change is certain.

Comment from Donald
Time: January 18, 2009, 9:21 pm

The word “tragedy” refers to death or at least something permanent and serious. It’s used too often for for an event or condition that is not all that important, usually involving mild reverses for useless celebrities.

Comment from Rebecca
Time: January 22, 2009, 12:19 am

I never want to hear: “GOOD TO GO” ever again!

Comment from ALLEN
Time: January 22, 2009, 5:02 pm

Going forward, i hope never to hear that phrase.

Comment from Damian French
Time: January 23, 2009, 1:38 pm

This is more of a preemptive strike I suppose, but we need to make sure this never happens again.

Shibboleth

There are some wonderful yiddish words in common english usage. This isn’t one.

Comment from full tilt
Time: January 26, 2009, 8:51 am

in my opinion: “worldwide economic crisis” and “depression”

Comment from jason Aufrichtig
Time: January 29, 2009, 2:04 pm

uber- was that 2008 or 2009?

Comment from linus-m
Time: February 6, 2009, 4:13 am

“Fernstudium” , just a nice german word…

Comment from Kosmetik-Partner
Time: February 6, 2009, 4:18 am

How about “Obama”?

Comment from linus-m
Time: February 6, 2009, 4:25 am

No, no, no….

The right word is “Bankenkrise”, in english “banking crisis”…..

Comment from barbara ansell
Time: February 7, 2009, 12:13 pm

this word is soooo over used now Stimulus. We aren’t even past the second month of the year.

Comment from Dirk Craft
Time: February 12, 2009, 6:00 pm

“Shovel ready”, dear god ban this word. Where did this come from, Obama? What does it even mean? How often do we use shovels on big projects? If a phrase has been used for 5mil times in a 1 month span I think it should be instantly added to this list without discourse.

Comment from Janis
Time: February 14, 2009, 11:28 am

I literally think the word “literally” should be removed from conversation. Once I hear it used, I stop listening.

Comment from CK80
Time: February 17, 2009, 12:42 pm

“Long term viability”…it is Feb 17 and I’m already tired of this phrase…especially “proving” long term viability, which seems impossible.

Comment from Webster
Time: February 19, 2009, 7:26 am

(lat.) “purgatorium”

Comment from Partnersuche
Time: February 21, 2009, 6:17 pm

…it seems to have become a verbal place-holder, much like “you know…” or “uhmm…”. A lot of people I know use this phrases… I hate them…

Comment from Onlineapotheke
Time: February 24, 2009, 11:46 am

What about “depression” or “finance crisis”?

Comment from William Benson
Time: February 27, 2009, 7:49 pm

We are not even done with February and I have already heard a year’s supply of the term “shovel ready”. With the President’s stimulus package focusing on road construction we are all going dive headlong into the holes dug by those ready shovels before year’s end.

Comment from Dennis
Time: February 28, 2009, 10:48 am

Redonkulous. Do I need to comment? The rube that invented this gem should be slapped with a dictionary.

Amazing. This is still the most over-used word in the English lanuage. A sure sign of a limited vocabulary, this word must be banished. Count the times you hear this word used in public or on television in a single day. It is amaaaaaazing!

Comment from Freddy
Time: March 3, 2009, 1:21 pm

“Yes, we can” might be something to think about, because in my opinion it’s unlikely that Obama can do anything against the crisis that is approaching!

Comment from livecams
Time: March 6, 2009, 3:10 pm

How about webinair?

Comment from doug greig
Time: March 6, 2009, 11:35 pm

Whenever I hear commentators using the phrase “the exact same” I want to scream. “Same” or “similar” are sufficient.

Comment from Keith Salcedo
Time: March 13, 2009, 3:40 pm

What about “Be lucky you have a job in this economy.”
I am so tired of hearing this from my corporate office each time raises are due. I believe this is the new term used too much as an easy out to save $$. Don’t businesses know that they would be nothing without their loyal and trained employees. New cheaper employees are not necessarily better.

Comment from John
Time: March 15, 2009, 10:46 pm

Buzzword - Does it cause intoxication? Does it sound like a bee? No I hate “buzzword” sounds like a word Timothy Leary would make up.

Comment from tim diller
Time: March 24, 2009, 6:28 pm

“octo-mom” has got to go. It’s bad enough we have to pay mega-dollars for the support and raising of this freak’s mis-guided attention seeking but to have it thrust on us from the media daily is too much to bear. Though it is a useful word, octuplets should go too.

Comment from Ferienhäuser Rügen
Time: April 8, 2009, 4:17 pm

Migraine! Please ban the word MIGRAINE !

Comment from James C. Corbett
Time: April 9, 2009, 6:52 am

Why do TV news anchors and commentators persist in sprinkling their conversations with “Yeh know?” and “I mean”. Why don’t they simply pause and say nothing. Even a brief “ah” would be preferable. I can’t imagine Henry Kissinger saying “Yeh know?” or”I mean”. If they think they have to use those two phrases, they must not have clearly expressed themselves the first time.

Comment from wendy
Time: April 14, 2009, 1:52 pm

april 14 2009
IAM SO SICK OF THE TERM THAT’S SO AMAZING PLEASE FIND ANOTHER WORD TO USE. IT SO IRRATATING.

Comment from iPhone 3G
Time: April 17, 2009, 10:37 am

“Basically” is the perfect example of words that we should never ever hear again… Please ban it asap!

Comment from ~Vanessa C
Time: April 17, 2009, 11:43 am

‘ Watev ‘ is not a word ! If you have to use it , please COMPLETE the proper spelling ! Besides , do we really need to hear ‘whatever ‘ more than people use it now ? ‘’Whatever this'’ , and ‘’whatever that ‘’ . Its making Americans look like idiots . ENGLISH PLEASE !!!

Comment from clem
Time: April 24, 2009, 8:40 pm

Do you have a complementary list for banned phrases?
I’m trying to start a movement to throw “under the bus” under the bus.

Comment from Tuning Wissen
Time: May 2, 2009, 8:35 am

I hate the word Bankenkrise from Germany.

Comment from Stoess
Time: May 4, 2009, 1:47 pm

“degenerate” would be a “great” word

Comment from neil
Time: May 4, 2009, 9:40 pm

“perfect storm” ugh.

Comment from Barbara
Time: May 8, 2009, 4:03 pm

does everything have to “pop”?

Comment from Wright Blan
Time: May 12, 2009, 12:12 pm

Stimulus Package - Appropriated by any number of radio stations for promotions/contests, and various businesses for sales.

Comment from Wright Blan
Time: May 12, 2009, 12:14 pm

Town Hall Meeting- A term appropriated by politicians and political candidates that has little to do with New England traditions. Current “Town Hall Meetings” are basically political rallies that have been “sanitized” for the politician’s portection.

Comment from Wright Blan
Time: May 12, 2009, 12:17 pm

Boot Camp - Term appropriated by educational seminars and fiitness clubs. If getting a haircut isn’t involved, it’s not a boot camp. Trust me on this one.

Comment from Samuel
Time: May 18, 2009, 3:09 am

I think I’ll go with the use of the words “Like” and “Non-Life threatening”. Why can’t people simply use non-fatal or non-lethal like they did before?

Same and similar are two DIFFERENT words with DIFFERENT meanings. Same means EXACT and similar means ALIKE.

And everything, peace-out, retarded, basically, technically, whatever, so are all misused. So are the words unique and special. Unique means one of its kind. Then what the hell is very unique? Are there not-very unique ‘unique’ things too? ‘Very’ should be banned too.

“Replied back” does not make sense, neither does “cope up” (It’s cope with).

Free dictionaries and grammar books should be distributed to all.

Comment from Howard Thompson
Time: May 21, 2009, 5:22 pm

I’m really getting tired of (most commonly the press) use of the word “beleaguered” whenever some copywriter want to connote the object of their comment is somehow (whether they provide evidence or not) threatened with bankruptcy, popular criticism, social ostracism, or some other social or economic ruin. It is a kind of ‘critical-innuendo-with-a-half-step-back’ adjective. It’s used far too much in the popular press and I’m afraid I’ll start to hear it in common speech - heaven forbid. I suspect I may be in league with some others who see red on this overused word.

Comment from Minn Kota
Time: May 30, 2009, 3:40 pm

I like “tornadic” - it sounds “cool”
Minn Kota

Comment from Robert
Time: May 31, 2009, 3:41 pm

Ban the phrase “best practices.” No longer are we content to do things in an ordinary way; now we have to use this superfluous jargon to point out that the contemporary way of doing something is optimal.

Comment from seo beratung
Time: June 23, 2009, 9:54 am

“actually” as it actually doesnt say anything!

Comment from Metaphor Observatory
Time: June 23, 2009, 1:39 pm

“Fallout” needs to be banned immediately, as it has been upstaging headlines with its tired melodramatics for too long. We need a another metaphor, one that implies “aftermath” while retaining the press’s right to sensationalize. How about “ballyhoo”?!

Comment from Blockhausferien
Time: July 12, 2009, 3:50 am

I like the phrase: no day after tomorow

Comment from Remote Receptionist
Time: July 17, 2009, 8:26 am

Technical terms such as “CPU”, “MP3” and other jargon may be banished because it does not denote the real meaning of it.

Comment from Philadelphia Plastic Surgery
Time: July 17, 2009, 3:27 pm

The phrase like “I know” or “you know” seems to be destructive. An alibi phrase if we don’t have something to say anymore.