SmithWriting Blog

This year, you might want to choose your words carefully—and be sure to steer clear of those terms recently “banished” by the folks at Lake Superior State University in Michigan.

Every year since 1976, these linguaphiles have released their “List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness,” compiled from tens of thousands of nominations from word lovers (haters?) around the world.

Here’s the 2012 list:

AMAZING
If you don’t hear it on a talk show, it’s, well, amazing. The word is everywhere, and its misuse is widespread. Defined as “causing wonder or astonishment,” amazing has become the adjective of choice for describing the mundane, like cupcakes and hairstyles. Take note, Martha Stewart (a noted abuser of the word): Overusing “amazing” is not a good thing.

BABY BUMP
All I can say is poor Kate Middleton. The world is watching. If she’s not pregnant, she’d better have one heck of a flat stomach.

OCCUPY
The term has occupied the media for months. Time for it to pack up its tent and go home. (see my last post, Words of the Year)

MAN CAVE
I have nothing against the man cave. My husband is welcome to have one—as long as it comes with an accompanying refuge for me and my gal pals.

GINORMOUS
What’s wrong with simply using “gigantic” or “enormous”? (And what’s next, “tiniature” for something very small?)

The rest of the list:
SHARED SACRIFICE
BLOWBACK
THE NEW NORMAL
PET PARENT
WIN THE FUTURE
TRICKERATION
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE

Filed by rebecca at 5:48 pm under For the love of words