Get ready for a linguistic journey as we dive into the world of words that need a timeout! Lake Superior State University (LSSU) has just unveiled its 50th annual 'Banished Words List,' a tradition that celebrates the ever-evolving nature of language. What started as a lighthearted New Year's Eve party idea back in 1976 has now become a global phenomenon, shedding light on the words that have overstayed their welcome.
Former public relations director W.T. (Bill) Rabe initiated this unique tradition with his 'List of Words Banished from the Queen's English,' and LSSU has proudly carried the torch ever since. This year, the university received over 1,400 submissions from all across the globe, including the United States, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Japan, and the United Kingdom, among many others.
So, without further ado, let's explore the golden class of words and phrases that made the cut for banishment this year, along with the reasons why:
6-7 (six seven): Paul E. from Wisconsin argues, "There are six or seven reasons why this phrase needs to be stopped." The sheer volume of submissions for this phrase could have filled the entire list! Scott T. from Utah adds, "It's time for '6-7' to be 86'ed."
Demure: Tammy S. remarks, "It's very said more than very done, and we're all very done hearing it!" Madison C. shares that the overuse of this word in phrases like 'very demure, very mindful' waters down its true meaning.
Cooked: Zac A. from Virginia groans, "Hearing it...my brain feels 'cooked.'" Parents and guardians led the charge on this one, hoping to banish all forms of the word 'cook' to make it less common.
Massive: Don and Gail K. from Minnesota exclaim, "Way overused! (often incorrectly)." This word's massive overuse has earned it a spot on this year's list.
Incentivize: Another victim of the noun-to-verb transformation, this word was likened to "nails on a chalkboard" by two separate submissions. Patricia from Texas asks, "What's wrong with motivate?"
Full Stop: Marybeth A. from Oregon explains, "For the same reason 'period' was banished...redundant punctuation."
Perfect: Jo H. from California notes, "There are very few instances when the word actually applies." Char S. from Ohio wonders, "How do they know it's perfect...what does that even mean?"
Gift/gifted (as a verb): James S. from Oklahoma reveals, "I found this on the 1994 list, but I think it's time to bring it back." Another example of a noun being used as a verb.
My Bad: Elizabeth P. from Michigan suggested in 1998 that "students and adults sound infantile when using this to apologize." Andrea R. from Ohio agrees, saying it lacks sincerity as an apology.
Reach Out: First banished in 1994, this saying has lost its original positive message and become absurdly overused, according to Kevin B. from the United Kingdom.
But here's where it gets interesting... some words just won't stay banished! LSSU has identified "Repeat Offenders" that have made multiple appearances on the list over the years:
Absolutely (1996, 2023): A favorite nomination of WXYT listeners in 1996, it seems this word just won't go away. A 2023 submission called it "the current default to express agreement." Will it make a hat-trick?
At the End of the Day (1999, 2022, 2024): This phrase has been attributed to both "political pundits" and "Hollywood types." It's the only word to achieve triple-banishment status.
Awesome (1984, 2007): Elnora V. initiated the initial banishment, questioning the widespread use of the word. It returned in 2007, with people from Thailand calling it "overused and meaningless."
Game Changer (2009, 2025): Cynthia declared, "It's game OVER for this cliché." Patrick from Washington, DC, added in 2025, "nothing is a game changer if everything is a game changer."
Hot Water Heater (1982, 2018): An anonymous listener questioned the need for such a phrase, and decades later, it was banished again, reminding us that a simple "water heater" would suffice.
For half a century, the Banished Words List has served as a reminder that language is a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving. LSSU is grateful to the thousands of participants who keep this tradition alive by sharing their linguistic frustrations.
So, what words or phrases would you like to see banished in 2027? Visit LSSU's website to nominate your picks and learn more about this unique tradition!
