LSSU celebrates golden anniversary of famous Banished Words List

Lake Superior State University’s Banished Words List, a linguistic tradition that creates national buzz every January, marks a milestone anniversary this year.

The Sault Ste. Marie institution has published its 50th annual Banished Words List, a tradition highlighting the importance and evolution of language. And the banished word or phrase at the top of the list this year is “six seven” (thankfully). 

Begun on a whim in 1976, the Banished Words List has served as a reminder that language is always evolving. It’s become a global reflection on the words that wear out their welcome.

What’s happening: Lake Superior State University is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its annual Banish Words List, cringe-worthy words and phrases that should be eliminated for use. The nominations come from thousands of people from all over the United States and around the world. 

How it began: The annual list began as a whimsical New Year’s eve party idea in 1976. LSSU’s former public relations director, W. T. (Bill) Rabe showcased the first “List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English because of mis-, mal- over use, or general uselessness.” LSSU has carried the torch since then.  

Who contributes: The entries continue a tongue-in-cheek commentary on language, catchphrases, and corporate jargon. More than 1,400 submissions were entrusted to LSSU this year, pouring in from all 50 U.S. states, and as far as Uzbekistan, Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, and many more.

This year’s golden class of banishments and the rationale: :

6-7 (six seven): “There are six or seven reasons why this phrase needs to be stopped,” says Paul E. from Wisconsin. The volume of submissions for this one could have taken up the whole list, at least slots 6-7. The top banishment this year, Scott T. from Utah adds, “it’s time for “6-7” to be 86’ed.”

Demure: “It’s very said more than very done, and we’re all very done hearing it!”remarks Tammy S. Often used in the phrase ‘very demure, very mindful,’ Madison C. shares that the overuse “waters down the real meaning.”

Cooked: “Hearing it … my brain feels ‘cooked,’” groans Zac A. from Virginia. Parents and guardians led the charge on this one, with some feeling this isn’t enough. James C. from Washington suggests a ban of “all forms of the word cook,” hoping that hearing them will become rare.

Massive: “Way overused! (often incorrectly),” exclaim Don and Gail K. from Minnesota. This word’s massive overuse has secured its place on this year’s list.

Incentivize: In the longstanding effort to turn nouns into verbs, this is another culprit. Two separate submissions likened hearing this word to “nails on a chalkboard.” Patricia from Texas asks, “What’s wrong with motivate?”

Full stop: “For the same reason ‘period’ was banished … redundant punctuation,” explains Marybeth A. from Oregon.

Perfect: “There are very few instances when the word actually applies,” notes Jo H. from California. Often heard during customer service interactions, Char S. from Ohio  wonders: “How do they know it’s perfect … what does that mean?”

Gift/gifted (as a verb): “I found this on the 1994 list, but it will make me feel better to recommend that it be included once again,” reveals James S. from Oklahoma. Another case of a noun being used as a verb.

My Bad: In the 1998 banishment, Elizabeth P. from Michigan suggested, “students and adults sound infantile when using this to apologize.” The phrase hasn’t matured in credibility since then. Andrea R. from Ohio shared, “It does not convey much meaning in the way of an apology.”

Reach Out: First banished in 1994, this saying has strayed from the positive message it once intended to deliver. “What started as a phrase with emotional support overtones has now become absurdly overused,” asserts Kevin B. from the United Kingdom.

Footnote: Fifty years of lists have shown one thing: Sometimes one placement just isn’t enough. To commemorate this golden milestone, LSSU looks back at some “Repeat Offenders” that received multiple banishments. Find them here.

What’s next: To nominate a word or phrase for 2027, or for more information on the tradition, visit:www.lssu.edu/traditions/banishedwords.

About Lake Superior State University: Lake Superior State University is a close-knit university in Sault Ste. Marie, where many faculty and staff know students by name. Founded in 1946, LSSU offers a unique personal education shaped by its size, setting, and spirit of community. The University’s one-rate tuition seeks to make education accessible to all students. Learn more at www.lssu.edu.