Do you cringe if someone ever says that they’re “passionate” over something? Does seeing “#YOLO” on twitter just want to make you want to throw your phone off of a cliff? Are you sick of hearing about the “fiscal cliff” in the news? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone. These are just a few of the words that have made it on the List of Banned Words for 2013, put out by Lake Superior State University.
The official “List of Words to be Banished from the Queen’s English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness” was started in 1976, kicking off the ban with words such as “macho” and “scenario.” People from all over send in words or phrases that they find annoying or overused as nomination, and then a list is compiled and released on New Year’s Day. The words are usually ones that people hear constantly on the television/radio, through their friends, or in everyday conversation. If the words are nominated enough, they show up on the list.
Here, the list of the words has been provided. Now, if anyone uses these words and receives dirty looks, they’ll understand why.
Fiscal Cliff- The spending cuts and tax increases that were to both occur at the end of 2012; usually referring to congress attempting to avoid these situations.
“Every time I hear about the government dealing with the fiscal cliff, I want to jump off of a real cliff.”
“Kick the can down the road”– Procrastinating or putting off making a decision in hopes that it will go away on its own; recently used when referring to the U.S. government.
“Quit kicking the can down the road. If you don’t want to date, just say so.”
Double Down– Originally a term from Blackjack, now used to express laying a lot on the lines and expecting even more than what was originally there in return. The term has also been used in the food industry, with KFC having a “double down chicken sandwich.” The name is sometimes used as a way of saying “go big or go home.”
“I’m going to double down and see if I can use a banned phrase without getting punched in the face.”
Job Creators/Creation– term used heavily during the 2012 Obama vs. Romney election to emphasize how the candidates would like to lower the unemployment rate.
“I guess ‘job creator’ was more a more popular title than ‘unemployment killer.’”
Passion/Passionate– a hobby that one cares deeply about and is religious to; (adj.) putting more effort on to a certain thing or idea than normal, being intensely affectionate or almost obsessive over.
“She’s very passionate about her music, even if it is terrible.”
YOLO (you only live once)– a phrase used by the famous rapper Drake, meaning to live everyday as your last. However, teens and other people on social networking sites seem to use this word as a way to try and justify acting like a complete idiot (usually typed as “#YOLO”). In the words of Jack Black, “I am fairly certain that YOLO is just ‘carpe diem’ for stupid people.”
“Microwaving my cat! Party all day long! #YOLO!”
Spoiler Alert- A term used in an article or review to let the reader/viewer know that the following information could ruin the ending or a crucial detail of whatever topic (usually a book or movie) is being discussed.
“I’ve already read about the actual boat the Titanic. Spoiler alert, the boat sinks.”
Bucket List– a list (whether written or mental) that has a bunch of events that a person would like to complete or take part in before they die.
“Being able to watch the Twilight movies without throwing up is on my bucket list.”
Trending– a term mostly associated with using a Twitter where a word/phrase is mentioned so much in a period of time that it is considered a trend on social networking sites.
“The List of Banned Words for this year is trending on twitter! I wonder what words are on it…”
Superfood- a certain food or substance that is thought to help with weight loss or health.
“This superfood works so well, it should have a cape! And it’s only $50.00!”
Boneless Wings- pretty self-explanatory, chicken wings without bones in them.
Customer: “Can I get an order of 10 boneless wings?”
Waiter: “You mean chicken nuggets?”
Guru- originally a term used in Hinduism and Buddhism, it is a Sanskrit term for “teacher/master.”The term has evolved to mean someone who is an expert at something, self-proclaimed or not.
“You should talk to Mike about your computer. He’s pretty much a guru of all things technology-related.”