Traditions

Especially as a verb, why use this word when we have a perfectly good word that makes more sense: “affect”? Overusing it not only takes away its pizzazz but also robs other words of their spotlight.

The use of this word for things that are not truly being obsessed over makes it a good candidate for rethinking how we use the word. The casual use of “obsessed” to describe routine interests or preferences underscores a potential misappropriation of the term, prompting a reconsideration of its application. Should one be obsessed with a new kitchen gadget or a new shade of paint? This year’s contributors think not.

Rizz, derived as a shortened form for “charisma,” gained prominence as Oxford’s word of the year and has become a familiar presence in the realm of social media discourse. The ubiquity of this term prompts contemplation on whether it retains its relevance. With language doing the cha-cha of change, we’re wondering if this word still rocks the charisma scene or if it’s time for a language remix.

The term “side hustle” has gained widespread use, prompting considerations about its impact on how we perceive economic challenges. It may be worth reflecting on whether its prevalence inadvertently downplays the genuine reality of the situation. While ‘side-hustle’ adds flair to our language, our contributors feel that the only hustle is the one needed to get to their second job.

The acronym for Greatest of All Time gets the goat of petitioners and judges for overuse, misuse, and uselessness. “Applied to everyone and everything from athletes to chicken wings,” an objector declared. “How can anyone or anything be the GOAT, anyway?” Records fall; time continues. Some sprinkle GOAT like table salt on “anyone who’s really good.” Another wordsmith: ironically, “goat” once suggested something unsuccessful; now, GOAT is an indiscriminate flaunt.

Mathematical term that entered everyday parlance and lost its original meaning. This year’s version of “pivot,” banished in 2021. “Chronic throat-clearing from historians, journalists, scientists, or politicians. Its ubiquity has driven me to an inflection point of throwing soft objects about whenever I hear it,” a quipster recounted. “Inflection point has reached its saturation point and point of departure,” proclaimed another. “Pretentious way to say turning point.” Overuse and misuse.

Sleuth confession: “It makes my hair hurt.” As well it should—because it’s not a word. At most, it’s a nonstandard word, per some dictionaries. “Regardless” suffices. Opponents disqualified it as a double negative. One conveyed that the prefix “ir” + “regardless” = redundancy. “Take ‘regardless’ and dress it up for emphasis, showcasing your command of nonexistent words,” excoriated an exasperated correspondent, adding, “Why isn’t this on your list?” Misuse.

Banished in 2008 for overuse, misuse, and uselessness: “pointless,” “cop-out,” “Only Yogi Berra should be allowed to utter such a circumlocution.” Its resurgence prompted these insights: “Well, duh.” “No kidding.” “Of course it is what it is! What else would it be? It would be weird if it wasn’t what it wasn’t.” “Tautology.” “Adds no value.” “Verbal crutch.” “Excuse not to deal with reality or accept responsibility.” “Dismissive, borderline rude.”

Overused catchall for ways COVID-19 affects humankind—and banishment finalist last year for similar reasons. “Those clamoring for the days of old, circa 2019, use this to signal unintentionally that they haven’t come to terms with what ‘normal’ means,” a monitor elucidated. “After a couple of years, is any of this really ‘new’?” another speculated. Banished in 2012 for imprudence, defeatism, and apathy stemming from societal missteps.

Nominated by writers nationwide for misuse and overuse, this phrase incorrectly substitutes for “You’re welcome” when someone says “Thank you.” A further bungling relates to insensitivity. “If I’m not worried, I don’t want anyone telling me not to worry,” a contributor explicated. “If I am upset, I want to discuss being upset.” Despite its meaninglessness, the term is recommended to emailers by Google Assistant.

Word-watchers noticed the frequent, unfortunate appearance of this phrase toward the end of this year as the coronavirus persisted. “It’s become automatically included in reporting of consumer goods shortages or perceived shortages. In other words, a buzzword,” concluded one analyst. “Supply chain issues have become the scapegoat of everything that doesn’t happen or arrive on time and of every shortage,” noticed another. The adverse result: overuse ad nauseam.

Nominators cited this phrase as verbal filler, redundant justification, and pompous posturing. For instance, “however” or “but—even “that said”—does the job as a transition instead of the wordiness. “Go ahead and say what you want already!” demanded one entrant. That being said, its usefulness is certainly in doubt. As a commentator philosophized, “At the end of the day, if you will, it already has been.”

What began as an anti-racist critique of the behavior of white women in response to Black and Brown people has become a misogynist umbrella term for critiquing the perceived overemotional behavior of women. As one nominator said about reasons for its banishment, “I would tell you why, but I’d sound like a Karen.” Another critic observed, “Offensive to all normal people named Karen.”

Reporters, commentators, talking heads, and others from the media reference how everyone must adapt to the coronavirus through contactless delivery, virtual learning, curbside pickup, video conferencing, remote working, and other urgent readjustments. That’s all true and vital. But basketball players pivot; let’s keep it that way.

This phrase is useful, as wearing a mask and keeping your distance have a massive effect on preventing the spread of infection. But we’d be lying if we said we weren’t ready for this phrase to become “useless.” With north of 50 nominations, many others clearly feel the same, and the tone of their reasoning ranged from impatient to heartfelt.

It’s a shortened version for “suspicious” in the video game Among Us. No committee members play, but our children who do explained that this multiplayer online social game is designed around identifying “sus” imposters so they can be “thrown into the lava.” Complainers a) ask: How much effort does it take to say the entire word; and b) request: If that can’t happen, confine the syllable to the gaming world.

An abbreviation of “jealous,” the committee agrees with the nominator of this word who suggested that it’s better left for toast. – Mike Bassarab, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Surprisingly, this word hasn’t already been banished, but here it is, one of the few words in English that has begun to serve as its own antonym. Many of the nominators cite this word’s use for figurative expressions or emphasis, which is literally annoying. – Edward, Glendale, Arizona; Ryan Chenier, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Daniel Kirk, San Luis Obispo, California; Dale Martin, Novi, Michigan; Jack Pollard, Haslett, Michigan; Gary Wenger, Delta, British Columbia, Canada; Christy Borthick, Nashville, Tennessee; Pamela Naylor, Dover, Delaware; Jamie Rankin, Connellsville, Pennsylvania; Margaret, Los Angeles, California; and Jennifer W Berlin, Anthem, Arizona

The committee very much enjoys exercising its authority in banishing words annually–literally the capstone of our year–but as Eric says, apart from reincarnation, are there “options for multiple lives”? – Gary Wheelock, Wixom, Michigan; Eric Park, Rock Hill, South Carolina

A word used by foodies to describe the texture of food or drink in the mouth, which the committee feels should be banished entirely from food reality TV shows. As our nominator asks, “Where else, exactly, would you like to touch your food or beverage?” This one just doesn’t feel right in the mouth. – Jodi Miller, Gahanna, Ohio

This phrase caught on late this year on the Internet as a response from millennials to the older generation. Boomers may remember, however, that generational tension is always present. In fact, it was the Boomers who gave us the declaration: “Don’t trust anyone over 30!” – Curtis McDonald, Shelby Township, Michigan; Scott Eldridge, Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Devin Greaney, Cordova, Tennessee

“Totally unnecessary when ‘important’ is sufficient. ‘More importantly’ (banned in 1992) apparently sounds more important but is also senseless.” – Constance, Pace, Texas

As in finished or concluded – Sandy, White Lake Township, Michigan

“It seems everyone’s holiday party is in the books this year, and it’s all there for friends to view on social media, along with the photos of the happy party attendees.”

“You’re a little tipsy, that’s all. That’s legally drunk. People who are ticketed for drunk driving are actually ‘illegally drunk,’ and we should say so.” – Philip, Auburn, Indiana

“Originally meant to take a claim or dispute to a law court . . . appropriated by politicians and journalists for any matter of controversy in the public sphere.” – Ronald, – Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

“Not that we haven’t had six or seven back-to-back most important elections of our time.” – José, Ozark, Arkansas

“The trendy way to say ‘appearance’.” – Bob Tempe, Arizona

Hot water does not need to be heated. ‘Water heater’ or ‘hot water maker’ will keep us out of hot water.

A frivolous word groping for something ‘effective’ or ‘influential.’

Wholly unnecessary statement. Just ask the question already.

One could say shocking, profound, or important. Let that sink in.

Says nothing that ‘nothing’ doesn’t already. I’ll take a quarter-pound of something in mine.

Another food group co-opted by “frankenfood.” Not to be confused with other forms of genetically modified language.

The Committee is not sure why this malapropism got nominators’ dander up in 2016.

To abruptly end communication, especially on social media. Is it rejection angst, or is this word really as overused as word-banishment nominators contend? Either way, our committee feels the pain.

When guess and estimate are never enough.

Thrown around far too much. What’s considered as such is best left to historians rather than the contemporary media.

Numbered or bulleted list created primarily to generate views on the Web, LSSU’s word-banishment list excluded.

As in a manicured lawn. Golf greens are the closest grass comes to being manicured.

This shortened form of “press release” and “press conference” is not so impressive.

“Not only is there no intelligent connection between the word “presser” and its supposed meaning, this word already has a definition: a person or device that removes wrinkles. Let’s either say ‘press conference’ or ‘press release’ or come up with something more original, intelligent and interesting!” – Constance Kelly, West Bloomfield, Michigan

“This industry buzzword has slipped into usage in news reporting and now that they have started, they can’t seem to stop using it.” – Richard W. Varney, Akron, Ohio

Another example of using two words when one will do.

“This alliterative mutation seems to be replacing the word ‘price’ or ‘cost.’ It may be standard business-speak, but must it contaminate everyday speech?” says Kevin Carney of Chicago, who provided an example in the March 19, 2015 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, pg. 1171, which says, “Although the ‘price point’ of effective new drugs … may initially be out of reach for many patients …”

“It has no ‘point.’ It is just a ‘price.’” – Guy Michael, Cherry Hill, New Jersey

“A corporate-academic weasel word,” according to the Urban Dictionary.

“Somewhere along the line, this word became a trendy replacement for ‘that is a problem.’ I just hate it.” – Sharon Martin, Hagerstown, Maryland

“Anything that the speaker finds vaguely inconvenient or undesirable, such as an opposing political belief or bad traffic. Contrast things that are self-evidently taken to be problematic with, say, actual problems like a hole in the ozone layer or a job loss.” – Adam Rosen, Asheville, North Carolina

“Usually used in a sentence explaining the ‘secret’ in excruciating public detail. Is this a metaphor for business success based on the fast food industry?” – John Beckett, Ann Arbor, Michigan

“It has become too frequent in business discussions. I am tired of it.” – Bill Evans, Clinton, Mississippi

A word that has expanded from describing someone who may actually have a stake in a situation or problem, now being overused in business to describe customers and others.

“Often used with ‘engagement.’ If someone is disengaged, they’re not really a stakeholder in the first place. LSSU, please engage your stakeholders by adding this pretentious jargon to your list. – Gwendolyn Barlow, Portland, Oregon

Harley Carter of Calgary, Alberta, Canada says he has heard it with another word popular in business-speak, “socialize,” which means to spread an idea around to see what others think of it. “We need to socialize this concept with our ‘stakeholders.’”

“Dr. Van Helsing should be the only stake holder,” says Jeff Baenen of Minneapolis, Minnesota

Many nominations over the past several years. Is it a Michigan thing?

“It’s ridiculous. Do we call people who like wine ‘winies’ or beer lovers ‘beeries’?” – Randall Chamberlain, Traverse City, Michigan

“‘Someone who enjoys food’ applies to everyone on Earth. What’s next? ‘Oh, I’m an airie; I just love to breathe.’ ‘Could we do it at 11, instead? I’m kind of a sleepie.’” – Andy Poe, Marquette, Michigan

“I crave good sleep, too, but that does not make me a sleepie. News flash: We ALL like food.” – Graydeon DeCamp, Elk Rapids, Michigan

“I’ve heard of cooks and chefs, and gourmets and gourmands, but what the heck is a ‘foodie’? A person who likes food? A person who eats food? A person who knows what food is? Sounds like ‘foodie’ is a synonym for ‘everybody.’ Foodies around the world agree; let’s banish this term.” – Steve Szilagyi, Mason, Michigan

“A horrible word that conflates the real meaning of friendship with usually hidden motivations to get at the other person’s pockets.” – Mary Been, Sidnaw, Michigan

“The word suggests that we develop relationships not for the simple value of the person we call ‘friend,’ for the pleasure of being in a community of people and for the simple joys of sharing bonds of affection and common care, but that we instead develop these relationships out of some sort of expectation of a monetary reward.” – Collette Coullard, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Banished for over-use and mis-use.

“Suddenly things that once would have been called ‘tips’ are now being called ‘hacks.’ It can’t be because the one word is shorter or easier to say; and the actual accepted meanings of ‘hack’ have nothing to do with suggestions for doing tasks better or more efficiently — quite the opposite, really.” – Sharla Hulsey, Sac City, Iowa

“This word is totally overused and misused. What they really mean is ‘tip’ or ‘short cut,’ but clearly it is not a ‘hack,’ as it involves no legal or ethical impropriety or breach of security.” – Peter P. Nieckarz Jr., Sylva, North Carolina

“I just received an e-mail for a book called ‘Marriage Hacks.’ I have seen articles about life hacks, home improvement hacks, car hacks, furniture hacks, painting hacks, work hacks and pretty much any other hack you can think of. There are probably even hacking hacks.” – Chellsea Mastroine, Canton, Ohio

“Life hack, this hack, that hack … stop with the hacks!” — Tim Jackson, Crystal Lake, Illinois

A suffering sports suffix.

“Purely with reference to a specific teams’ fans, this word needs to go. It’s the following of a sports franchise, not a group seeking independence, recognition and legitimacy; Not even if it’s the Cubs.” – Tim Wilcox, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

“Although a devout Wisconsin sports fan, I do not belong to Packer-Nation, Badger-Nation, Phoenix-Nation, or Brewer-Nation. Further, I am not aware of any team or mascot that has the carrying capacity to be a nation.” – Kelly Frawley, Waunakee, Wisconsin

“Nothing more self-aggrandizing than sport team fans referring to themselves as a nation! What’s next? My team – Continent, World, Galaxy, Universe!” – Curt Chambers, Seattle, Washington

“Both politics and sports teams have overused this n-word to describe their fans or viewers.” – Ken Hornack, Ormond Beach, Florida

We used to call it the pound symbol. Now it is seeping from the Twittersphere into everyday expression. Nearly all who nominated it found a way to use it in their entries, so we wonder if they’re really willing to let go. #goodluckwiththat

Used by members of each political party when describing members of the other.

The 30-year anniversary of this hilarious 1983 Michael Keaton movie seems to have released some pent-up emotions. It received nearly as many nominations as “selfie” and “twerk” from coast to coast in the U.S. and Canada, mostly from men.

A wandering prefix (see 2010’s “Obama-“) finally settles down. We thought it might rival “fiscal cliff,” the most-nominated phrase on the 2013 list, but it didn’t come close.

“Unless you’re teaching transcendental meditation, Hinduism or Buddhism, please don’t call yourself a guru just because you think you’re an expert at something. It’s silly and pretentious. Let other people call you that, if they must.” Mitch Devine, Rancho Santa Margarita, California

“It implies supernatural powers — such as the ability to change the weather or levitate. Most new jobs pay less than the lost jobs to ensure stratospheric CEO compensation and nice returns on investments. I respectfully propose a replacement term that is more accurate — job depleters.” Mark Dobias, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

“Usually used in politics, this typically means that someone or some group is neglecting its responsibilities. This was seized upon during the current administration and is used as a cliché by all parties … Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, Tories, Whigs, Socialists, Communists, Fashionistas …” Mike Cloran, Cincinnati, Ohio

“Diabetes is not just Big Pharma’s business, it’s their passion! This or that actor is passionate! about some issue somewhere. A DC lobbyist is passionate! about passing (or blocking) some proposed law. My passion! is simple: Banish this phony-baloney word.” George Alexander, Studio City, California

‘It is not just overused, it is offensive to we males who do not wish to hunker (another awful word, often misused) down in a room filled with stuffed animal heads, an unnecessarily large flat-screen TV and Hooters memorabilia. Not every man wants a recliner the size of a 1941 Packard that has a cooler in each arm and a holster for the remote. So please, assign ‘man cave’ to the lexicographic scrap heap where it so rightly belongs.” – David Hollis, Hubbardsville, New York

“‘Occupy Wall Street’ grew to become Occupy ‘insert name of your city here’ all over the country. It should be banished because of the media overuse and now people use it all the time, i.e. ‘I guess we will occupy your office and have the meeting there.’ ‘We are headed to Grandma’s house – Occupy Thanksgiving is under way.” – Bill Drewes, Rochester Hills, Michigan

“It has been overused and abused even to promote Black Friday shopping.” – Grant Barnett, Palmdale, California

“Why couldn’t they have used a more palatable kind, like pecan or peach?” –Bob Forrest, Tempe, Arizona

“Can a human being truly be a parent to a different species? Do pet ‘owners’ not love their pets as much pet ‘parents’ do? Are we equating pet ownership with slave holding? This cloyingly correct term is capable of raising my blood sugar. Lynn Ouellette, Buffalo, New York

“Usually used by a politician who wants other people to share in the sacrifice so he/she doesn’t have to.” Scott Urbanowski, Kentwood, Michigan

One nominator says, “what originally may have been a term for a stockbroker’s default is now abused by today’s youth as virtually any kind of ‘failure.’ Whether it is someone tripping, a car accident, a costumed character scaring the living daylights out a kid, or just a poor choice in fashion, these people drive me crazy thinking that anything that is a mistake is a ‘fail.’ They fail proper language!”

“Fail is not a noun. It is not an adjective. It is a verb. If this word is not banned, then this entire word banishment system is full of FAIL. (Now doesn’t that just sound silly?)” – Daniel of Carrollton, Georgia

“When FAILblog.org went up, it was a funny way to view videos of unfortunate people in unfortunate situations. The word fail is now used by people, very often just to tease others, when they ‘FAIL.’ Any time you screw up in life — a trip up the stairs, a bump into a wall, or a Freudian slip, you get that word thrown in your face.” – Tyler Lynch, Washington, Iowa

“Misused. Overused. Used with complete disregard to the ‘epic’ weight of the word. Silence obnoxious reality TV personalities and sullen, anti-establishment teenagers everywhere by banishing this word.” – Natalie of Burlington, Ontario, Canada

“It has taken over blogs, photo captions, ‘status’ comments. Anytime someone does something less than perfect, we have to read ‘FAIL!’ The word has failed us all.” – Aaron Yunker, Ishpeming, Michigan

“‘A phrase used to defuse any ill feelings caused by a preceded remark,’ according to the Urban Dictionary. Do we really need a qualifier at the end of every sentence? People feel uncomfortable with a comment that was made and then ‘just sayin” comes rolling off the tongue? It really doesn’t change what was said, I’m just sayin’.” – Becky of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

“I’m just sayin’…’I’m not sayin”’… Actually, you ARE saying … A watered-down version of what I just said or intended to say … .SAY what you are saying. DON’T SAY what you aren’t saying.”- Julio Appling, Vancouver, Washington

“Obviously you are saying it … you just said it!” – Catherine Wilson, Granger, Indiana

“And we would never have known if you hadn’t told us.” – Bob Forrest, Tempe, Arizona

“When a 24-hour news network had the misguided notion to brand this phrase as a commentary segment called, ‘Just sayin’, I thought I was going to retch.”-  Casey Conroy, Pleasant Hill, California

“It’s an absurdity followed by a redundancy. First, things are full or they’re not; there is no fullest. Second, ‘live life’ is redundant. Finally, the expression is nauseatingly overused. What’s wrong with enjoying life fully or completely? The phrase makes me gag. I’m surprised it hasn’t appeared on the list before.” – Sylvia Hall, Williamsport, Pennsylvania

“Unless you are referring to a scientific study of Ursus arctos horribilis , this analogy of right-wing female politicians should rest in peace.” – Mark Carlson, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

“A stupid phrase when directed at men. Even more stupid when directed at a woman, as in ‘Alexis, you need to man up and join that Pilates class!’” – Sherry Edwards, Clarkston, Michigan

“Another case of ‘verbing’ a noun and ending with a preposition that goes nowhere. Not only that, the phrase is insulting, especially when voiced by a female, who’d never think to say, ‘Woman up!’” – Aunt Shecky, East Greenbush, New York

“Can a woman ‘man-up,’ or would she be expected to ‘woman-up?’” – Jay Leslie, Portland, Maine

“Not just overused (a 2010 top word according to the Global Language Monitor) but bullying and sexist.” – Christopher K. Philippo, Glenmont, New York

“We had to put up with ‘lawyer up.’ Now ‘man up,’ too? A chest-thumping cultural regression fit for frat boys stacking beer glasses.” – Craig Chalquist Ph.D., Walnut Creek, California

Nominations concerning the economy started rolling in as the 2009 list was being put together last year, i.e. “bailout.” They kept coming this year, in these trouble economic times. ” South Park ” warned us about what would happen if we angered The Economy.

“Overused and redundant. Aren’t ALL times ‘these economic times’?” — Barb Stutesman, Three Rivers, Michigan

“In this economy, we can’t afford to be wastefuL … In this economy, we all need some security … In this economy, frogs could start falling from the sky … In this economy, blah blah blah … Overused for everything from trying to market products as inexpensive to simply explaining any and all behavior during the recession.” – Mark, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

“When someone prefaces a statement with ‘in this economic climate,’ its starts to sound like a sales pitch, or just an excuse on which to blame every problem. And if a letter or e-mail message from your employer starts with this phrase, usually it means you’re not getting a raise this year.” – Dominic, Seattle, Washington

The LSSU Word Banishment Committee held out hope that folks would want to Obama-ban Obama-structions, but were surprised that no one Obama-nominated any, such as these compiled by the Oxford Dictionary in 2009, Obamanomics, Obamanation, Obamafication, Obamacare, Obamalicious, Obamaland … We say: Obamanough already.

Sending sexually explicit pictures and text messages through the cell phone.

“Any dangerous new trend that also happens to have a clever mash-up of words, involves teens, and gets television talk show hosts interested must be banished.” – Ishmael Daro, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

“Apparently, the generally accepted definition of this phrase is to imply that a project has been completely designed and all that is left to do is to implement it … however, when something dies, it, too, is shovel-ready for burial and so I get confused about the meaning. I would suggest that we just say the project is ready to implement.” – Jerry Redington, Keosauqua, Iowa

“A relatively new term already overused by media and politicians. Bury this term, please.” – Pat Batcheller, Southgate, Michigan

“Do I really need a reason? Well, if so how about this: I just saw it in tandem with ‘cyber-ready’ and nearly choked on my coffee. It’s starting the ‘-ready’ jargon. Makes me ‘vacation-ready.’” – Karen Hill, Ann Arbor, Michigan

“Stick a shovel in it. It’s done.” – Joe Grimm, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

“Everything in the news is about the stimulus packages … it is no longer a grant, it’s stimulus money, stimulus checks, etc. I think it is just being overused.” – Teri Heikkila, Rudyard, Michigan

“Overused by companies to advertise a promotion.” – David Willis, Houston, Texas

“What next, can I go down to the local bar and down a few drinks and call it a stimulus package?” – Richard Brown, Portland, Oregon

“It’s game OVER for this cliché, which gets overused in the news media, political arenas and in business.” – Cynthia, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

The ubiquitous ‘Green’ and all of its variables, such as ‘going green,’ ‘building green,’ ‘greening,’ ‘green technology,’ ‘green solutions’ and more, drew the most attention from those who sent in nominations this year.

“This phrase makes me go green every time I hear it.” – Danielle Brunin, Lawrence, Kansas

“I’m all for being environmentally responsible, but this ‘green’ needs to be nipped in the bud.” – Valerie Gilson, Gales Ferry, Connecticut

“Companies are less ‘green’ than ever, advertising the fact they are ‘green.’ Is anyone buying this nonsense?” – Mark Etchason, Denver, Colorado

“If something is good for the environment, just say so. As Kermit would say, ‘It isn’t easy being green.’” – Kevin Sherlock, Hiawatha, Iowa

“If I see one more corporation declare itself ‘green,’ I’m going to start burning tires in my backyard.” – Ed Hardiman, Bristow, Virginia

“This spawned ‘green solutions,’ ‘green technology,’ and the horrible use of the word as a verb, as in, ‘We really need to think about greening our office.’” – Mike McDermott, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Overused, especially among entertainers and in entertainment news, according to Robyn Yates of Dallas, Texas, who says that “every actor, actress and entertainment magazine show overuses this.” One of the most-nominated words of the year.

“Everyone and everything cannot be ‘iconic.’ Can’t we switch to ‘legendary’ or ‘famous for’? In our entertainment-driven culture, it seems everyone in show business is ‘iconic’ for some reason or another. “- John Flood, Bray, Wicklow, Ireland

“It’s becoming the new ‘awesome’ – overused to the point where everything from a fast-food restaurant chain to celebrities is ‘iconic.’” – Jodi Gill, New Berlin, Wisconsin

“Just because a writer recognizes something does not make it an icon (a visual symbol or representation which inspires worship or veneration) or iconic. It just means that the writer has seen it before.” – Brian Murphy, Fairfield, Connecticut

“Especially on the Internet, many people seem to think they can make any boring name sound more attractive just by adding the word ‘monkey’ to it. Do a search to find the latest. It is no longer funny.” – Rogier Landman, Somerville, Massachusetts

Nominated by Kathleen Brosemer of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, for “general overuse and meaninglessness. When is it not ‘that time of year again?’ From Valentine’s sales to year-end charity letters, invitations to summer picnics and Christmas parties, it’s ‘that time’ of year again. Just get to the point of the solicitation, invitation, and newsletter and cut out six useless and annoying words.”

“This oleaginous phrase is an emergency submission to the 2008 list. The notion has arisen that as one’s life progresses, one accumulates a sort of deficit balance with society which must be neutralized by charitable works or financial outlays. Are one’s daily transactions throughout life a form of theft?” – Richard Ong, Carthage, Missouri

“Various media have been featuring a large number of people who ‘just want to give back.’ Give back to whom? For what?” – Curtis Cooper, Hazel Park, Michigan

“This pointless phrase, uttered initially by athletes on the losing side of a contest, is making its way into general use. It accomplishes the dual feat of adding nothing to the conversation while also being phonetically and thematically redundant.” – Jeffrey Skrenes, St. Paul, Minnesota

“It means absolutely nothing and is mostly a cop out or a way to avoid answering a question in a way that might require genuine thought or insight. Listen to an interview with some coach or athlete in big-time sports and you’ll inevitably hear it.” – Doug Compo, Brimley, Michigan

“It seems to be everywhere and pervade every section of any newspaper I read. It reminds me of ‘Who is John Galt?’ from ‘Atlas Shrugged.’ It implies an acceptance of the status quo regardless of the circumstances. But it is what it is.” – Erik Pauna, Mondovi, Wisconsin

“Only Yogi Berra should be allowed to utter such a circumlocution.” – Jerry Holloway, Belcamp, Maryland

“This is migrating from primetime ‘reality television’ and embedding itself into otherwise articulate persons’ vocabularies. Of course it is what it is … Otherwise, it wouldn’t be what it would have been!” – Steve Olsen, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

Overused and misused to describe not only food, but computer products or human behavior, and often used when describing something as “natural,” says Crystal Giordano of Brooklyn, New York. Another advertising gimmick to make things sound better than they really are, according to Rick DeVan of Willoughby, Ohio, who said he has heard claims such as “My business is organic,” and computers having “organic software.”

“Things have gone too far when they begin marketing T-shirts as organic.” – Michelle Fitzpatrick, St. Petersburg, Florida

“‘Organic’ is used to describe everything, from shampoo to meat. Banishment! Improperly used!” – Susan Clark, Bristol, Maine

“The possibility of a food item being inorganic, i.e., not being composed of carbon atoms, is nil.” – John Gomila, New Orleans, Louisiana

“You see the word ‘organic’ written on everything from cereal to dog food.” – Michael, Sacramento, California

“I’m tired of health food stores selling products that they say are organic. All the food we eat is organic!” – Chad Jacobson, Park Falls, Wisconsin

“Overused by the pundits on evening TV shows to mean just about any coincidence.” – Lynn Allen, Warren, Michigan

“I read that ‘Ontario is a perfect storm,’ in reference to a report on pollution levels in the Great Lakes. Ontario is the name of one of the lakes and a Canadian province. This guy would have me believe it’s a hurricane. It’s time for ‘perfect storm’ to get rained out.” – Bob Smith, DeWitt, Michigan

“Hands off book titles as cheap descriptors!” – David Hollis, Hamilton, New York

“On every single one of the 45,000 decorating shows on cable TV (of which I watch many) there is at LEAST one obligatory use of a phrase such as … ‘the addition of the red really makes it POP.’ You know when it’s coming … you mouth it along with the decorator. There must be some other way of describing the addition of an interesting detail.” – Barbara, Arlington, Texas

“‘Our post-9/11 world,’ is used now, and probably used more, than AD, BC, or Y2K, time references. You’d think the United States didn’t have jet fighters, nuclear bombs, and secret agents, let alone electricity, ‘pre-9/11.’” – Chazz Miner, Midland, Michigan

Popular with teenagers in many places.
“Overused and usually out of context, i.e. ‘You are so random!’ Really? Random is supposed to mean ‘by chance.’ So what I said was by chance, and not by choice?” – Gabriel Brandel, Farmington Hills, Michigan

“Outrageous mis- and overuse, mostly by teenagers, i.e. ‘This random guy, singing this random song … It was so random.’ Grrrrr.” – Leigh, Duncan, Galway, Ireland

“Overuse on a massive scale by my fellow youth. Every event, activity and person can be ‘sooo random’ as of late. Banish it before I go vigilante.” – Ben Martin, Adelaide, South Australia

“How can a person be random?” – Emma Halpin, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom

The US military’s shorthand for a base in Cuba drives a wedge wider than a split infinitive.

“When did the notorious Guantanamo Bay Naval Base change to ‘Gitmo,’ a word that conjures up an image of a fluffy and sweet character from a Japanese anime show?” — Marcus W., St. Louis, Missouri

“It makes ‘missing’ sound like a place you can visit, such as the Poconos. Is the person missing, or not? She went there but maybe she came back. ‘Is missing’ or ‘was missing’ would serve us better.” — Robin Dennis, Flower Mound, Texas

Point of view is everything.

Someone told Joy Wiltzius of Fort Collins, Colorado, that the tuna steak she had for lunch “sounded healthy.” Her reply: “If my lunch were healthy, it would still be swimming somewhere. Grilled and nestled in salad greens, it’s ‘healthful.’”

‘e-Anything’ made the list in 2000. Geoff Steinhart of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, says tech companies everywhere have picked this apple to the core. “Turn on … tune in … and drop out.”

“Banish any word that starts with it. i am just tired of it. it’s getting old. — Brad Butler, Adrian, Michigan

Heard in movie advertisements. Where can we see that, again?

“How often do movies premiere in laundromats or other places besides theaters? I know that when I want to see a movie I think about going to a shoe store.” — Andrea May, Shreveport, Louisiana

Thr styff of lemgendz: Gamer defeats gamer, types in “I pwn you” rather than I OWN you.

“This word is just an overly used Internet typo. It has been overused to the point that people who play online games are using it in everyday speech.” — Tory Rowley, Corunna, Michigan

Dedicated to the memory of a great federal agency consigned to the ash heap of parody. “If they don’t do anything, we don’t need their acronym.” – Josh Hamilton, Tucson, Arizona

Preamble often heard on talk radio. “I am serious in asking: who in any universe gives a care?” – Miguel McCormick, Orlando, Florida

(Any of its variations) It’s overdone. “There’s no escaping it. It’s everywhere, from TV to T-shirts,” says Amanda Tikkanen of LaGrange, Indiana. “Please tell me when we’re done with this one.”

Many salvoes were fired during this past season’s “war on Christmas.” At the risk of jumping into the breach, the committee feels that “Holiday tree” is a silly name for what most folks hold as a Christmas tree, no matter your preference of religion. Thank goodness we all agree on the first day of winter.

To brace oneself, in anticipation of media onslaught. Trotted out in reports about everything from politics to hurricanes. “I have a hankering to ban all of this hunkering.” – Kate Rabe Forgach, Fort Collins, Colorado

Banished from the Marketplace of Ideas. “It’s not scientists who are using this phrase so much as the people who practice junk politics.” – Ron LaLonde, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada

“Makes no sense. Do we have friendly combatants? Neutral combatants? Or how about enemy bystanders? If they are your enemy, just say so.” – Bill Sellers, Hampton, Virginia

Do we need to hear about it daily on TV and radio, even on racecars? Firmly rejected by the committee. “Too much information!” – Carolyn Jamsa, Chillicothe, Illinois

They belong at the beach, not in a political dialogue. “Republicans used it; Democrats used it back. Flip-flop back and forth it goes.” – Jeff Lewis, Ada, Michigan

As opposed to what used to be referred to as a bomb or mine. “Is this anything like a bomb or is it more (or less) sinister?” – Harold Blackwood, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

By far, the abomination that received the most nominations. Some sort of ‘Rap-Latin’ suffix, as in fa’shizzle, which means ‘for sure.’

“It was clever for about five minutes, or should I say five ‘minizzles?’” – R. Glover, Waterford, Michigan

Derek Hogan of Misssissauga, Ontario, Canada, said it was cool when a rapper came up with it a few years ago, but now it’s overused and is even being used in television commercials.

“Like Superbowl excesses, it is too much of too much,” – Daniel Baisden, Savannah, Georgia

“Every single person on every reality show comments on how amazing the ‘journey’ was. Since when does dating a dozen nerds over a six-week span or conniving to win a million dollars over 15 other people qualify as a ‘journey’”? – Cindy, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

“Are we talking about someone not buying a round of drinks or people shooting at each other?” – Rob of Crawley, West Sussex, United Kingdom

“Sounds like someone having trouble pulling their hands out of their pants pockets.” – Joe Hutley, Las Vegas, Nevada

“Try the new, clinically proven, safe and effective wonder drug you never knew you needed … Safe and effective should not be a selling point, it should be an FDA requirement!”-  CW Estes, Roanoke Texas

And other abbreviated ‘e-mail speak,’ including the symbol ‘@’ when used in advertising and elsewhere.

Alex G. of Warsaw, Poland, says, “It’s everywhere on the net! OMG! u r chattin to sum1 then … lol this and lol that … .Get it away!”

“I wonder if anyone really laughs out loud when they use this short-hand Instant Messenger slang?” – Rachel Rose, Pickford, Michigan

An urban male who pays too much attention to his appearance.

Bob Forrest of Tempe, Arizona, says it “sounds like someone who only has sex downtown or on the subway.”

Fred Bernardin of Arlington, Massachusetts, asks, “Aren’t there enough words to describe men who spend too much time in front of the mirror?”

Dennis K. McDermott of Oneida, New York, says, “It appears on 99% of the return envelopes provided by creditors with monthly billings. It’s especially annoying when enclosed in a rectangle drawn in the upper right corner. (What if you miss?) And then … they inform you that ‘The Post Office will not deliver without postage.’ Can we legitimately claim to be a superpower if we need to be reminded to put a stamp on an envelope?”

Eric Hooper of South Lyon, Michigan, agrees: “If I’m too stupid to figure out where to put the stamp, then paying the phone bill is probably the least of my worries.”

As in bamboozled, duped, flimflammed, hornswoggled. Nominated by the Frank and Johnnie Show, WGN, Chicago. An old noun given new life as a verb because of the television show. Kill it before it grows.

Gerald Anderson of Winter Haven, Florida, says, “TV shows are often described as being ‘ripped from the headlines.’ Kicking and screaming, no doubt.”

“Ever been to one?” asks Stan Slade of Long Beach, Mississippi. “Not the cleanest place in the world. What happened to the county or city dump?”

During the height of the war last spring, Tyler King of Toronto, Ontario, told us he’d like to see all words rhyming with Iraq banished, and he sent this lovely poem:

“Lately, every news report has tried to create a rhyme about Iraq. Frankly, I’m sick of hearing about the ‘Attack on Iraq’! There is no turning back from an attack on Iraq to (get) that quack who likes to yak with his terrorist pack about having the knack to bring weapon inspectors back.”

A new and improved buzzword. With billions of dollars at stake, perhaps “national security” is just plain blasé.

“What happened to the Department of Defense?” asks Rick Miller of Champaign, Illinois.

“This phrase is ‘ramped up’ (banished in 2002) for over-use,” says Mark Dobias of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. “The question is: good for whom? For example, insider trading may be a good thing, but only if one does not get caught. Then it is a bad thing.”

Nominated by many, including Angela Wood of Anchorage, Alaska, for over-use since the 2000 election.

“Generally used instead of ‘don’t underestimate’ or ‘understand,’” says John O’Connell of San Jose, California. Are listeners really going to mistake what the questioner is saying?

“Who’s mistaken, anyway?” asks Barb Keller of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

“Suggests an obstetrical complication that pulls a physician off the golf course,” says a nominator from Washington, D.C. Sounds like contract lawyer-speak rather than the world-worn parlance of war planners and diplomats. At one time, UN resolutions were violated. Violators were held in contempt. How long until treaties are ripped up in the presence of attorneys?

“Used often in the sporting world,” says Paul DeCarlo of Helena, Alabama. “What mistake is not mental?”

“Must find remote. Must change channel,” laments Nan Heflin from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Television once pitched entertainment. Apparently now it’s taken on a greater imperative. Assumes herd mentality over program taste.

Many, including Valli Irvine of Austin, Texas, thought this should have been included on the 2002 list. Matthew Lowe of Kew Gardens, New Jersey, summed it up for the many who nominated this tiresome phrase: “It has become overused since the terrorist attacks … from warnings to be safe, to stores having sales … It has to go!”

Lowe’s neighbor, Mike Bowers of Lebanon, New Jersey, agrees: “What’s next? ‘Now, more than ever, Americans need 50% more raisins in their cereal?’”

“This precious way of saying, ‘Now that we’ve had a terrorist attack on U.S. soil, we have a duty to recognize the important things in life’ seems to be the recent darling of advertisers and politicians …What simpering balderdash!” – Josh Mandel, Colonie, New York

“Do they think that, if the name did not contain instructions, we would peel-and-throw-on-floor?” – Miguel McCormick, Orlando, Florida

Just how long is foreseeable? “What about the unforeseeable future?” ponders James Hartman from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

“But if not, then warn after the fact.”

Miguel McCormick of Orlando, Florida, should take his redundancy act on the road. He sent us some beauties.

“Would unfriendly fire be less painful?” – nominator from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

A sneaky way of getting a version of the dreaded ‘F’ word on the radio and TV. Is there anything one can’t say on the airwaves these days? – Merri Carol Wozniak, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Nominated by many, including listeners of Lindy Thorsen’s show on CBC-Regina. “The word is used in the computer field when people don’t seem to know how to explain a software feature. It’s used as a crutch, and it’s used way too much!” – Scott Watson, Oxford, Michigan

“Used all too frequently in the information technology industry to describe attributes and capabilities … Product ‘upgrades’ are said to feature ‘enhanced functionality,’ whatever that is.” – Terry Shannon, Ashland, Massachusetts

“Since Sept. 11, we’ve heard countless variations of this phrase, usually from politicians, encouraging us to get back to our normal way of life. It has become so overused as to become almost meaningless, especially when, for example, the Smallville Chamber of Commerce says, ‘If you don’t come to the annual parade, then the terrorists win.’ I can’t imagine al-Qaeda cares whether we attend parades … Sorry to have taken up so much space, but if I can’t complain about things that bug me, then the terrorists will have won.” – nominator from Chicago, Illinois

“The phrase makes a mockery of those extremely tragic events of that day.” – nominator from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

“What was ever wrong with the word ‘after?’” A caller on WJR Detroit’s David Newman Show wondered if we should all take one tablet in the wake of each meal.

“Is everyone else as tired of this as I am? If a commercial lasts for 30 minutes, it’s a PROGRAM. It’s also boring!” – John King, Oceanside, California

Used to describe an outstanding computer program. “If its function doesn’t approximate that of the HAL 9000 computer from 2001, it’s not really a killer application,” says Peter Lynn of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

As a caller into a radio program on Detroit’s WJR pointed out, only counterfeiters make money. Honest people earn it.

We received many nominations for this annoying abbreviation that refers to Sept. 11, 2001, the day terrorists attacked and killed thousands in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Those who sent nominations said they were in no way trying to make light of the day’s events, or the subsequent events. Most of them asked if finding a ‘cute’ abbreviation for the day makes the attacks any easier to accept. “Last year, we had Y2K and 24-7. This year, we have 9-11. This new digital language (digitalk?) should be banned no later than 1-1-Y2K-2 … Do we refer to the Chicago Fire as 10-8 because it occurred on Oct. 8, 1871? How about the sinking of the Titanic – it is not called 4-14. A tragic event of such proportion should not be confused with a telephone number.

The name will be remembered as long as there are people who can read.” – nominator from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

“I can’t believe people are abbreviating the worst act of war this country has seen since Pearl Harbor. I’ve never heard anybody refer to the attack on Pearl Harbor as Twelve-Seven, or 12-7.” – nominator from Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“It was September 11.” — nominator from Ishpeming, Michigan.

“It’s overused and sounds ridiculous when used to represent what happened on September 11. – nominator from Madison, Wisconsin.

“It’s worse when people play on the ambiguity with ‘911’ in the emergency phone number context.” – nominator from Los Angeles, California.

Redundant usage … 10-yard penalty.

“If it is a false start, it would inherently be prior to the snap of a football, before the action starts,” mentions Sue Golbiw of Royal Oak, Michigan.

“Aren’t all destinations final? (I can’t take credit for this. I heard it from George Carlin!)” – Justin Meilstrup, Marquette, Michigan

Perhaps the leg muscles aren’t involved. Jon Reynolds of Lansing, Michigan, nominated this with football sportscasters in mind.

Gets a four-year term limit. Unleashed during a presidential debate, this sound bite could live again during upcoming tax cut and budget surplus fights. “Fuzzy math is only used by people who are masters of it,” says Bob Goodsell of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Let’s go someplace else with this one. “Since most people travel backward in time, this is a valuable phrase,” says Brian Fumo of Newport, Rhode Island.

An overused and often misused term in the business world. “I think it is a false verbification of the noun ‘leverage,’ says Phil Rustage, London, United Kingdom.

“Leverage this … leverage that … It makes me want to puke. I don’t really know the new definition of this word, but I’ve caught on (empirically) by hearing it a dozen million times from those suit-wearing marketing bozos.” – Todd Ryan, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Todd performed an Internet search for ‘leverage’ and found more than 50,000 entries. He quit (and so did we) reading after the fifth entry, calling the lot of it ‘gobbledygook.’ We agree.

“As in, ‘I want to give you a heads-up on this,’” says Hugh D. Hyatt, Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. “What’s wrong with, ‘I want to warn you,’ or ‘I want to give you advanced notice?’”

Overused in business settings.

A modification of the 1970s’ ‘Have a nice day!’ “I went into a store to buy some feminine hygiene products … As I paid, the young clerk bid me farewell by saying ‘Have a good one!’… Have a good what?” – Deb Captain, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

And variations, ‘You know what I mean?’ and ‘You see what I’m sayin’?’

“This phrase is repeated like a nervous tic by some people even after the most simple or obvious statement,” said Joe Szymanski of Baltimore, Maryland. “It’s likely I don’t (know what they’re sayin’).” – Len Nelson of Green Bay, Wisconsin

Everyone seems to have a bad case of ‘issues’ this year, along with influenza. It’s a strange way of saying that something is bothering someone. “If people could no longer say it, they would be forced to articulate just what it is that is bothering them.” – Leonard L. Schakel, Lakeland, Minnesota

“Why must we all have ‘issues’ to deal with? It’s vague, undefined and typically used in the wrong context.” – Rhonda Kitter, Anchorage, Alaska

Similar to ‘win-win,’ banished in 1993. “Apparently applicable to almost any situation and meant to fill the same niche for American youth as ‘no worries’ does for Australians. If I hear my employees use it, they will be fired.” – Zachariah Love, Hollywood, California

“If the speaker is talking about a huge chocolate dessert buffet, then it is ‘all good.’” – Cathy Cruz, from Wilf Smyth’s class in Stratford Central Secondary School, Stratford, Ontario, Canada

and the variations: ‘the next millennium,’ ‘the new millennium,’ ‘into the next millennium,’ ‘millennium bug.’ “It is the convenient topic for every graduation speech, every excuse to renew or to do anything,” said Lois Linnert of New York, New York.

“It’s been attached to every promotion, ad, event that you can think of,” said Dave of Duluth, Minnesota.

Kevin Chu of Cupertino, California said it goes hand-in-hand with the hype of Y2K, and Elaine Gosling of London, England, said, “If I wanted to be really grumpy I could point out that the millennium is not a moment which occurs at the end of the year, but a full thousand years!”

As in, ‘This is a quality of life issue!’ “This political platform or non-platform is making its way into candidacies from municipal courts to the presidency,” said Ron Statler of Fresno, California.

Nominated by David Newman of WJR-AM, Detroit, and Carrie Zollner, of Rochester, Michigan, who said, “It’s an overused excuse for driving like a maniac.”

It is used to mean a ‘dramatic change’ or a ‘groundswell of support.’ According to Webster’s, it is an archaic term that really means “a change brought about by the sea.”

“Originally a musical term, now used in everyday speech. It’s just pompous and pretentious,” said Ken Scholz of Naperville, Illinois.

“Everyone is using it, even when inappropriate: ‘Excuse me while I segue into another topic.” – Karen of Ballwin, Missouri.

“If I hear one more person on TV say this, I will throw up.” – Joanne Smith, Lincoln, Nebraska.

(Sometimes pronounced with both syllables drawn out)

Nominated by many for over-use “not as a greeting, but as a condescending comment … a lazy approach to a comeback.” Used often with the ever popular (and banished) ‘duh!’ – Christine Caruso, St. Anne High School, Ontario, Canada

Overused by many in conversation, especially teenagers. ‘I am SO not into that.’ ‘That outfit is SO not you.’ “It’s used too much and not in the right context.” – Lissa Sanchioni, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

“Athletes are always stepping up’ when all they mean is that some player needs to play better than usual. At halftime, coaches are always telling us their team needs to ‘step it up’ or a player needs to ‘step up’ for the team to win.” – Randy Heeres, McBain, Michigan

“If you do poorly, do you ‘step down?’ Athletes, do your best. Forget ‘stepping up.’” – Jim Keith, English Teacher, Buckeye H.S., Medina, Ohio

Douglas Pearson of Lansing, Michigan is stunned by the frequency at which ‘stun’ or ‘stunned’ shows up in headlines on sports stories these days. He sent many examples – ‘Canucks stun Wings’ – and more. The Wings may have been angry, disappointed or, perhaps, frustrated, but probably not stunned. Pearson’s stunning conclusion: “The backwards version of stun is nuts.’”

Overused by many, especially teenagers, to look down on something or express dissatisfaction or disagreement. Lovers of the English language have long bemoaned the loss of the word ‘gay,’ which went from being light-hearted, merry, bright or lively, to expressing a state of sexuality. Now we have a generation who knows only the sexual definition. “The phrase is misused and offends people of that sexual preference. It’s not used in the correct sense,” said one student.

When considering the salaries paid to professional athletes many folks may start to expect that extra 10 percent. – Mark Terwilliger, LSSU math professor

“Whenever a well-known person dies, television news reporters tell the story: ‘Joe Blow is dead tonight at the age of 85.’ Do they expect his condition to change by morning? I have heard of one such case, but even that took three days.” – David Downing, St. Paul, Minnesota

“Students and adults sound infantile when using this to apologize for a mistake.” – Elizabeth Philips, English Dept., Cardinal Mooney Catholic H.S., Marine City, Michigan and many others

“A planerese’ word. These folks do not give up. It supposedly means to make normal … ‘In a systems evolution concept of storming, forming, and norming …’” – Huon Newburg, New Ulm, Minnesota

“It was a funny movie; now people use it everywhere.” – Mandy Denick, Thornapple Kellogg H.S., Middleville, Michigan

Nominated by others, including The Flint [Mich.] Journal’s Jeff Karoub, who says “It’s destined to be the ‘Where’s the beef?’ of the 90s.”

Used with the hated ‘he goes/she goes.’ For example: “My son dashes into the room and he goes, ‘Dad! Dad!’ and I’m like, ‘What? What?’ The perpetrators of such babble should be locked together in a room, with their baseball caps riveted bill forward.” – Allen C. Myers, senior editor, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing C., Grand Rapids, Michigan

“I am president and founder of the International Order for the Abolition of the Word Sloppy Joe. Its goal is to ban Sloppy Joe, Common Joe, Joe Blow … It gives Joes a bad name. You never hear of a Sloppy Steve, Ruth etc. Joes should never be lumped together as common or everyday. I therefore nominate ‘Joe Sixpack’. Man on the street is good enough.” – Joe Gallagher, Port Huron, Michigan

(Ed. Note: According to our Canadian neighbors, the Canadian equivalent to Joe Sixpack is “Joe lunchbucket.” This would be included in the banishment.)

“There being no alternative, our overpaid athletes can safely offer to do at least this much.” – Jack Dietrich, Albuquerque, New Mexico

“Ad nauseam.” – Robert Sutherland, London, Ontario

“Doing several things at once said it all.” – Donna Gayon, Perry High School teacher, Perry, Michigan

“Big business word for having parts and supplies produced by another company.” – Tory Cook, MCTV reporter, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

“Are they talking about payment or package totes?” – Paul D. Feedman, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

“… From the speeches of sliver-tongued speakers who have nothing to say, yet insist on saying all of it, and more!” – Dr. Steve Person, LSSU biology professor.

“Why not just plain murder?” – James Blashill, LSSU professor and chairman of Criminal Justice & Fire Science

(From folks who are paying close attention to Newt Gingrich’s speeches. They nominated frankly as overused by the Speaker of the House.) Gingrich used “frankly” 12 times in a late November speech. – Margaret DeChant, Boca Raton, Florida

(We heard from the educators on this one, including:) – They’re weary of hearing how to “grow an economy” or “grow their employees.” – English Dept. Chairman Doug Cartwright, Goshen H.S., Goshen, Ind., and Tim Clancy, Ishpeming H.S., Ishpeming, Michigan

“I’m not bothered by an inanimate growee as the subject of a sentence: ‘The economy grows.’ Nor, of course, am I bothered by a direct object which is living: ‘We grow corn.’” – Mary Schwark, Spanish instructor at Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn, Michigan (None said they could grow and ironclad case for misuse, but all voted in favor of overuse.)

“Driving forces within the automotive industry that continue to favor plastics, include: Lightweighting.” – LSSU Alumnus Ron Bishop, Lowell, Michigan

(Ron discovered the word as it was used in the June 1995 issue of Plastics World magazine, by the way … congratulations, Ron. You were the first person to use ‘cyberspace’ to submit a nomination.)

“Many companies are wasting incredible amounts of time and effort (and sometimes cash) to define these, with no noticeable benefit.” – Meir Pann, Miami Springs, Florida

“This one really grates on my spinal column. I just hate it.” – Eric Brooks, morning show producer at WEAT/WOLL Radio, West Palm Beach, Florida

(Gee, how do you REALLY feel about it, Eric? We heard from others who “felt your pain.”)

In spite of the attention paid to the O.J. Simpson trial, only a handful of trial-related nominations were offered. Most of the submissions were the ones you would expect, including: O.J. – for over-use. – Billie Rae Bates, Detroit, Michigan

(Many other readers expressed similar sentiments: “Just say NO J.”)

“I don’t mind following the game rules, but can’t I read a different book?” – Norma Jean Acker, English teacher, Maple Valley H.S., Vermontville, Michigan. (Also nominated by listeners of David Newman’s show on WXYT, Detroit.)

“Where is the ‘line’ that everyone is on? It sounds like someplace a fish should be – not a computer user.” – Michelle Batterbee, Ellsworth, Michigan

The favorite nomination which seems to have escaped the list until this year. – Tanya Dugree, Kingsford High School, Kingsford, Michigan

Columnist Bob Cudmore of The Record in Albany, NY, recently wrote: “Banish liberal or at least have it declared an obscenity, which is what the word had become. It’s probably better today to be called a Marxist, a Commie, a pinko, a fellow-traveler or a useful idiot …If liberal was deemed obscene by academics and dictionary-makers, maybe conservative talk show hosts, callers, commentators and politicians would be less likely to use the word … Perhaps then, instead of deploring an idea as liberal, conservative speakers would have to explain why they are against it.”

“The word ‘medal’ is a noun … but the misuse of this word by Olympic reporters had become even more common. In addition, I was stunned to learn from one of the Detroit sports reports that the USA athlete who ‘medalled’ in the downhill ski competition also ‘ silvered’. Perhaps the athlete was dipped in a large vat of silver compound for that winning metallic glow?” – Karen Gooze, Westland, Michigan

Do politicians know any other word to describe those with whom they disagree? – Rick Morrow, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

Meaning “I have a busy schedule.” Variations include “I have enough on my plate,” or “I have too much on my plate.” So eat, already! – Ken Behrens, WJBC Radio, Rock Island, Illinois

Nominated by George Drury or Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who gave special mention to “that Milwaukee favorite: Temporary No Parking Any Time.”

Such as the claims made by certain advertisers about their products. “Either it’s pure, or it isn’t.” – Wayne Montgomery, Goulais River, Ont., Canada

Michele Mooney of Los Angeles, California sent us this abbreviation for post-modern from a dictionary of L.A.-speak. It’s listed as a noun, with the following example: “That mini-mall is a po-mo mess.” Honest. Michele sent us eight pages of examples which she had clipped from newspapers and magazines in L.A., where she says everything is referred to as either pre- or post-riots.

“I always wonder where these products come from: a post-mortem, perhaps? – A. Kozlowicz, Dept. Chair, Roseville High School, Roseville, Michigan

(Also nominated were post-modern, post-feminist, post-pubescent, post-shave healer, post-Cold War, post-boomers, and ‘the post-thing’. You get the idea: post in now post-use.)

“To me, this means being able to hit your target. I’m tired of hearing how this will solve our crime problems, when it won’t.” – Anonymous LSSU student

“I think that using the masculine pronoun, when no gender is indicated, should be reinstated. Using ‘he/she’ breaks the flow of a sentence, and teachers care more about that than they do about sexual equality.” – Ines Quandel, Central Algoma Secondary School, Desberats, Ontario, Canada

“Popularized after the Anita Hill/Clarence Thomas debate … It (supposedly) indicates someone’s inability to understand what the rest of us find obvious. “Senator Packwood just doesn’t get it.’ ‘Saddam Hussein just doesn’t get it.’” – David Goldberg, Ann Arbor, Michigan

“Heard often from TV newscasters of the Los Angeles area.” – J.A. Talbot, Grand Terrace, California

“If a waiter says he’d be ‘more than happy’ to serve me, I ought to expect him to clap his hands and jump with joy.” – Stephen Mendenhall, Ann Arbor, Michigan

“This seems to be a Muslim expression. It became popular during the Mideast War and shows no signs of dying.” – Leonard Wheat, U.S. Department of Commerce

Ben Szczesny, Muskegon, Michigan

“Ships and trucks used to be ‘unloaded.’ Let’s unload the use of ‘offload’ and only use ‘unload’ when we’re referring to cargo.” – Michael Eliasohn, St. Joseph, Michigan

“This has become the educational buzzword of 1993. I would like to see ‘paradigm lost.’” – Nancy Dean, Stephenson, Michigan

“As in ‘I want to empower a new paradigm of health care.’ It sounds a lot better saying ‘I want to shut down the hospital and let the people get their own aspirin.’” – Bob Cudmore, The Record, Troy, New York

“Not only is it roundly mispronounced, but its meaning has grown to mean everything from ‘example’ to ‘coffee cup.’” – Tom Rademacher, Grand Rapids Press

“… when used as a verb. Remember when a party commemorated a specific occasion with celebration? Today the word (used mostly as a verb – Let’s Party!) has degenerated into a sorry synonym for getting drunk – in any bar, any stadium, any car.” – Jan Shoemaker, English Teacher, Lansing Catholic Central H.S., Michigan

C.R. Penson, St. Paul, Minnesota

LSSU had received many nominations for banishment of this phrase and the “idea” of being politically correct. Some of the words and phrases banished during the past few years have been “politically correct” expressions (i.e. Fisherperson in 1992), but “P.C” itself has been left off the list until now. Here are some samples of the calls for nomination:

James B. Whyte of Newmarket Ontario, Canada, said we should continue to use, if not overuse, “politically correct euphemisms such as ‘strategically dehired’ for ‘fired.’ … Used enough times as a term of opprobrium, even the most thoroughly sanitized euphemisms will start to stink, its rigid ‘correctness’ wilting in the light of the truth.”

Tori Cook of MCTV News in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, said, “It’s overused. Besides, most people believe politicians are always wrong.”

Michael Tardif of Lansing Catholic Central High School in Michigan seems to agree with Cook, and said “political correctness and politically correct are oxymorons.”

Nadine Clark of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, said, “Politically correct, politically incorrect … who cares?”

And other gender-neutral phraseology. “I am saddened by the passing of MANkind, the huMAN race, the family of MAN, and never again being a chairMAN, alderMAN, or fisherMAN. Fisherperson is unnecessary terminology anyway, given that ‘angler’ already exists. Let’s get rid of ‘political correctness’ and ‘gender neutral’ while we’re at it.” – W. Van Sickle, St. Joseph Island, Ont. Canada

“I reply: ‘it’s being revised,’” (Ed.: correct if addressed to computer operators.) – Wanda Johnson, Wayne, Michigan

When it refers to real estate. Example “home builder.” Others: “Home sales are up.” “An 18^th-century home.” “Four homes were destroyed.” These are all institutional references. It’s HOUSE, not home. If you “work outside of the home, “are you employed away from your house, or maintaining the grounds at a mental institution? – Name and address withheld by request.

Used by persons with exceptional eyesight and questionable word selection. (Ed.: It’s correct if uttered by a person reading lips.) – Jack Dietrich, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Should be banished because it makes me feel abused, amused, misused, confused, suspicious, and nauseous.” – Joan Niederhofer, Frankfort, Michigan

“Is there any other kind?” – Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan

As applied to lay people performing any function whatever in church circles. – Carol Smith, Fairbanks, Alaska

(Ed.: Is there a ministry of snow removal, yet?)

Instead of memento. This mistake is more common in speech than in writing, but a newspaper wrote “officials wanted momentos carved for the 1990 Labatt Brier …” (Ed.: Sounds like a lapse in time.) – Roy Sutton, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Canada

“This is the most-overworked phrase in the English language today. What’s worse, it’s grammatically incorrect. Important is an adjective, not an adverb. Translation: this is important; this is more important. Everyone in the U.S.: scholars, media types, politicians, speech writers everywhere, abuse this phrase. Let’s consign this one to the trash can forever.” – Dorothy Powers, WJR Radio, Detroit, Michigan

To mean bad. – Edward X. Tuttle, Southfield, Michigan

(a euphemism for fired)

Talk to Real Live Girls on 900- … (Would you talk to dead girls?); Done Deal: Is that anything like a dead lock?

When we mean supervise or monitor.

“Wouldn’t summary or commentary be better?” – M. June Dohse, Anchorage, Alaska