List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness
It’s winter in Sault Saint Marie, MI, along the U.S./Canada international border; what else is there to do but shovel snow?
Word “czars” at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) “unfriended” 15 words and phrases and declared them “shovel-ready” for inclusion on the university’s 35th annual List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness.
“The list this year is a ‘teachable moment’ conducted free of ‘tweets,’” said a Word Banishment spokesman who was “chillaxin’” for the holidays. “‘In these economic times’, purging our language of ‘toxic assets’ is a ’stimulus’ effort that’s ‘too big to fail.’”
Former LSSU Public Relations Director Bill Rabe and friends created “word banishment” in 1975 at a New Year’s Eve party and released the first list on New Year’s Day. Since then, LSSU has received tens of thousands of nominations for the list, which includes words and phrases from marketing, media, education, technology and more.
Word-watchers may check the alphabetical “complete list” on the website before making their submissions.
On LSSU’s website you can also learn all about unicorn hunting, read up on the hunting regulations, and get your license before you set out on your quest.
