Bless the folks at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Every year for 38 years, they have tried — in vain, for the most part — to banish the top annoying, misused and overused words creeping into common use.
You know it’s a futile effort when words from Year One, 1976, are still seen in corporatespeak everywhere. Exhibit A: the list that year included input, at this point in time, dialogue and implement.
This year’s pet peeves include the ever-present fiscal cliff, YOLO (you only live once), guru, double down and super food. I actually don’t mind bucket list, trending and spoiler alert.
The university receives well over 1,000 nominations every year from frustrated and annoyed word nerds around the world. Not bad for an idea originally designed to gain media coverage for the university on a slow news day, New Year’s Day!
If you have a word you’d like to nominate for the next list, the university welcomes your suggestions. “Gamification” is high on my list. What about yours?
Image: pakorn and FreeDigitalPhotos.net.