Lake Superior State University Releases 2016’s ‘Banished Words List’

Lake Superior State –- the smallest public university in Michigan (and one of the two colleges I went to) — has released its 41st annual list of banished words.

The list’s proper name is the List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness, and has been a Lake Superior tradition since 1976.

Which words need to disappear as we enter 2016?

SO

I guess there has been an uptick of people using this to emphasize everything. "I am SO down for hanging out tonight!" "I SO want a cheeseburger." And also as the way many start a sentence, as is pointed out by one nominator.

“Currently, it is being overused as the first word in the answer to ANY question. For instance, 'How did you learn to play the piano?' Answer: 'So my dad was in a classical music club...'" – Bob Forrest, Tempe, Ariz.

Break The Internet

This is one that I'm guilty of using from time to time, and we've been hearing it more and more in recent years.

“Meaning a post or video or whatever will have so much Internet traffic that it will ‘break the internet.’ It’s being used for every headline and video. Ridiculous.” – Matthew Squires, Auburn, Mich.

Manspreading

This word is more common in bigger cities, where seats on the bus, train, or subway are sometimes difficult to find. It seems men have a nasty habit of spreading their legs and taking up too much space.

"Men don't need another disgusting-sounding word thrown into the vocabulary to describe something they do…You're just taking too much room on this train seat, be a little more polite...” – Carrie Hansen, Caledonia, Mich.

Vape

The word commonly used to describe the act of using an e-cigarette (because they're inhaling vapor instead of smoke).

David Ervin of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.Canada, says he hopes the word “goes up in smoke.”

In all, the folks at Lake Superior State have suggested 13 words and phrases for banishment this year. I'd say they're pretty spot on again this year.