Stop Saying That!

Once again, the good folks at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan have published their annual list of Banished Words. Each new year they take time to “reflect on the words and phrases that may have worn out their welcome.” This tradition goes all the way back to 1976.

Here are some of them:

Cringe. While “cringe” once packed a punch, it has now overstayed its welcome. Overuse has dulled its impact, and ironically, using it might now cause the very reaction it describes.  “Saying someone ‘caused you to cringe’ or stating that ‘you cringed at something’ is a pretty easy and proper way to use the word,” writes Ash from Newton, Alabama.  “Hearing someone say ‘someone is so cringe’ makes me cringe!”

Game Changer. “How many times can a game change before it is no longer recognizable? This phrase, often used to describe anything remotely innovative, is as tired as a well-worn cliché. “Nothing is a game changer if everything is a game changer,” writes Patrick of Washington, DC.”

Era. Unless you are Taylor Swift, it might be time to leave “era” behind. The term’s overuse has made every fleeting moment feel like it demands a historical marker. Leah of Holland, Michigan submits, “Thanks to the name of Taylor Swift’s tour, now there is an ‘era’ for everyone and everything!  ‘He’s in his fatherhood era’, ‘She’s in her pottery-making era,’ etc., etc..  It’s overused and tiring.”

IYKYK (If You Know, You Know). Internet slang and texting abbreviations are often fan-favorites of Banished Word submitters each year.  Cryptic and exclusionary, this phrase offers little clarity or substance. If you know, you might agree it is time to let this one go.  Amy from Redford, MI feels this phrase should go for being both irritating and nonsensical.

Skibidi. This viral word may have resonated with a younger crowd, but for many it is just noise. Agatha from Denmark explains, “Nobody cares about a Skibidi toilet, Skibidi fizz, or Skibidi Ohio fanum tax. At this point, nobody even knows what it means and it just annoys people.”

Period. Yes, we understand your point—no need to verbally punctuate it. Overuse has turned this into a period we are ready to end.  Theresa from Detroit, MI, recommends that we banish this word by putting it in a bottle and sending it out to sea.  

Personally, I completely agree with that Skibidi word. I have seen it everywhere and have no clue what the heck it means!! It is SO annoying!!

I have never used IYKYK. I agree with the Taylor Swift/Era connection. Urgh!

How about you? Do you agree? What word or phrase do you feel needs to be banished from the English language? What is overused?