On Air Now The House Party with Jack McHugh 6:00pm - Midnight Sigala / Ella Henderson - We Got Love Schedule

These 10 Words Have Been 'Banished' For 2023 - And There Are Some You Use

Tuesday, 3 January 2023 06:59

By (C) Sky News: Claire Hills, news reporter

Moving forward, irregardless of how you may feel about it, a university in the US has added a number of words and phrases to a "banished" list.

Every year since 1976, Lake Superior State University has its compilation of choices that are to be banned for the entire incoming year.

More than 1,000 everyday terms have made it onto the roll of shame - some more than once.

And this year, sees GOAT (the acronym for Greatest Of All Time), top the poll.

Also included were...
Inflection point
Gaslighting
Quiet quitting
Moving forward
Amazing
Absolutely
Does that make sense?
Irregardless
It is what it is

For its 2023 list, Lake Superior State University judges reviewed more than 1,500 submissions before coming up with their top ten.

A university spokesperson said, of the number one nominee, GOAT:

"The many nominators didn't have to be physicists or grammarians to determine the literal impossibility and technical vagueness of this wannabe superlative.

"Yet it's bestowed on everyone from Olympic gold medallists to Jeopardy champions."

Words and terms banned in 2022 included "no worries", "you're on mute," and "wait, what?"

Others over the years have included "vis-a-vis", "information superhighway", "I'm like," and, for a nation some might say not as 'skilled' at football punditry as the UK, bizarrely also outlawed was "giving 110 percent".

Perhaps less surprising in 1983, one of the forbidden words was "Reaganomics" - the much overused term at the time, for the economic policies promoted by US President Ronald Reagan.

Also predictable, was the ban on "Y2K" in 1999, followed hot-on-the-heels by "millennium" in 2000.

And almost certainly to the relief of one William Jefferson Clinton, in 1999 "Monica Lewinsky" was added to the don't-say list.

The university has even copyrighted the concept of its Banished Words List to "uphold, protect, and support excellence in language by encouraging avoidance of words and terms that are overworked, redundant, oxymoronic, clichéd, illogical, nonsensical-and otherwise ineffective, baffling, or irritating".

Enough said.

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2023: These 10 words have been 'banished' for 2023 - and there are some you use

More from Lifestyle

  • Five Of The Most Wondrous Ancient Ruins In The World

    The world is home to countless ancient ruins that stand as awe-inspiring reminders of past civilizations. These structures, built centuries or even millennia ago, offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and artistry of those who came before us. If you love history and adventure, here are five of the most wondrous ancient ruins you should see in your lifetime:

  • Five Of The Most Inhospitable Places on the Planet

    The Earth is home to some of the most breath-taking landscapes, but it also harbours regions so extreme that they challenge the limits of human survival. From scorching deserts to freezing wastelands, here are five of the most inhospitable places on the planet:

  • Five Animals You Wouldn’t Believe Are Kept as Pets

    When you think of pets, dogs, cats, or even hamsters might come to mind. But for some animal enthusiasts, the ordinary just won’t do. Across the globe, people have opted for some truly unexpected companions. From scaled oddities to exotic creatures, here are five animals you wouldn’t believe are kept as pets:

  • Five Most Pet-Friendly Destinations in the UK

    For pet lovers, leaving your furry friend behind when planning a trip can feel bittersweet. Fortunately, the UK offers plenty of destinations where your four-legged companion can join in on the adventure. From scenic countryside retreats to dog-friendly beaches and bustling cities with pet-friendly cafes, there’s something for everyone. Here are five of the most pet-friendly destinations in the UK, perfect for a getaway with your best friend:

  • Five UK Valentine's Destinations Perfect For A Night Away

    Whether you’re dreaming of candlelit dinners, cosy countryside retreats, or breath-taking city views, the UK offers a wealth of enchanting destinations to make your Valentine’s night unforgettable. Here are five perfect spots for a night of romance this February 14th: