January 1, 2009
2009 banished words list
Each year, Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., releases its “List of Words to Be Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness.”
Compiled from thousands of nominations, the list is comprised of overused words and phrases and pet peeves from everyday speech, the media, technology, advertising, and politics.
Here are a few terms from the list that I would love to see banned in 2009:
bailout
Even after hearing the economic term a million times, I still can’t say I understand what it is exactly. I mean, couldn’t we all use a rescue from financial difficulties?
first dude
Cute. But I find “first gentleman” a bit more distinguished, personally.
green
This word drew the most nominations to the list, and I completely agree that it should be banned. Don’t get me wrong: I’m a longtime supporter of protecting the environment, but I’ve never approved of the widespread overuse of this term (and I cringe when I hear “green” used as a verb!).
not so much
It’s fine for high school parlance, but, beyond that, this phrase is completely useless. What’s wrong with “no”?
staycation
Here’s one neologism I’d like to send away on a permanent vacation.
<3 (a texted heart)
Sorry, it looks like a bum to me.
The rest of the list:
- carbon footprint/offsetting
- desperate search
- game-changer
- icon/iconic
- it’s that time of year again
- maverick
- monkey (as a suffix on the Internet)
- Wall Street/Main Street
- winner of five nominations
Filed by rebecca at 3:38 pm under For the love of words
‘I heart’
Can we PLEASE get rid of ‘I heart’?
I love! LOVE.
It’s okay to say I love. Nobody will take offense!
Who came up with ‘I heart’? And why, for the love of all that it putridly sweet, did they?
/end of Panther rant
Good call, Panther! Seriously: What the heck is wrong with “I love”?
Panther, you beat me to it!! “I heart” drives me BATTY! “Not so much” bugs me too. In fact, that whole popular manner of speaking does. Sadly, it’s annoyingly cliché.
I have to say, I don’t mind the word “maverick.” Perhaps because it’s also my sister’s dog’s name.
I was appalled to hear people use the word “green” as a verb! I don’t think I’ve ever heard that before (I’ve never heard “first dude” before, either).
The first time I heard “I heart” was when that movie “I Heart Huckabees” came out a few years ago. Since then, it’s crept its way into popular culture. Blech.
So, Steph, you won’t be “greening” your home this year? …
A Heart? So that’s what “<3″ is supposed to be!
I just though it was supposed to be “less than three”.
(Whattya expect? I’m an engineer!)
Friar: Weren’t you ever puzzled by a text that read, “I less than three you”?
@Rebecca
Actually, no one ever wrote that to me!
(At least, not using those symbols!)
Alas, Friar, it’s only a matter of time.
what’s friar’s phone #? lol
LOL! Friar? …
Really can’t stand the “first dude” one. The maverick? Sick of it. Oh, and if I hear one more reference to “green” especially from companies that clearly aren’t…. oy.
Lori: If only this banished list could be enforced! Aren’t there some grammar police out there somewhere? Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ve heard the last of “green” … All we can hope for is that its overuse will lead to a cleaner planet!
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