On Monday Dec. 31, a banned words list was released as part of an annual tradition. The ban list contains 12 words and phrases. A Huffington Post report states:
A dirty dozen have landed on the 38th annual List of Words to be Banished from the Queen's English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness. The nonbinding, tongue-in-cheek decree released Monday by northern Michigan's Lake Superior State University is based on nominations submitted from the United States, Canada and beyond.
The banned words list is listed below, along with some comments from readers.
1.Fiscal Cliff
"You can't turn on the news without hearing this. I'm equally worried about the River of Debt and Mountain of Despair." -Christopher Loiselle, Midland, Mich.
2.Kick the can down the road
"I would definitely like to kick some cans of the human variety every time I hear politicians use this phrase to describe a circumstance that hasn't gone their way."- Christine Tomassini, Livonia, Mich.
3.Double Down
"The next time I see or hear the phrase, I am going to double over."- Tony Reed, Holland, Mich.
4.Job creators
"Since jobs are only created by demand, consumers are the real job creators."-Scott Biggerstaff, Redlands, Calif.
5.Passionate
"Seared tuna will taste like dust swept from a station platform - until it's cooked passionately. Apparently, it's insufficient to do it ably, with skill, commitment or finesse. Passionate, begone!"- Andrew Foyle, Bristol, UK
6.Yolo
"Just gives people, especially teens, a reason to do stupid things. I find it annoying and I'm pretty sure I'm not alone here."- Daniel, Hickory, NC
7.Spoiler alert
"Used as an obnoxious way to show one has trivial information and is about to use it, no matter what." -Joseph Joly, Fremont, Calif.
8.Bucket list
"Getting this phrase on the Banished Word List is on my bucket list!"-Frederick Fish, Georgia
9.Trending
"I'm sick of chirpy entertainment commentators constantly informing us of what 'is trending right now.' I used to like a good trend until this." -Nancy, Victoria, BC.
10.Super Food
"It's food. It's either healthful or it's not. There is no 'super' involved."- Jason Hansen, Frederic, Mich.
11.Boneless Wings
"Can we just call them chicken (pieces)?"- John McNamara, Lansing, Mich.
12.Guru
"Unless you're teaching transcendental meditation, Hinduism or Buddhism, please don't call yourself a guru just because you think you're an expert at something. It's silly and pretentious. Let other people call you that, if they must."- Mitch Devine, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.
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