The folks at Lake Superior State University - or LSSU - have done mankind one huge favour. For 35 years, since 1975, they've been banning words. Yep, Imma let you finish, but LSSU has again banned the use of some mighty trite words and phrases before they drive us all crazy. Oddly, "Imma let you finish" wasn't among this year's List Of Words Banished From The Queen's English For Mis-use, Over-Use and General Uselessness.
Are you ready? Here are some of this year's words...
"Shovel-ready" is a term used by governments to describe infrastructure stimulus projects that are ready to go now. LSSU says bury it.
"Transparent" is another government term usually used to explain something that's anything but. LSSU just can't see it's continued use.
"Tweet" and all it's variations describe the activities associated with sending others messages of 140 characters or less. LSSU would seem to think this to be some bird-brained activity.
"Friend" as a verb is a social networking term used when you agree to make someone your acquaintance. LSSU thinks we should unfriend this term.
"Teachable moment" is a condescending term to describe the art of "learning a lesson". Seems we've all had our teachable moment according to LSSU.
"Chillaxin" is a word that combines chillin' and relaxin' to underscore how "loose" someone is. I guess LSSU feels no one can be THAT relaxed.
One final note. The funny thing about this list is I haven't used most of these words and already they've been banned. Talk about your teachable moment!
Are you ready? Here are some of this year's words...
"Shovel-ready" is a term used by governments to describe infrastructure stimulus projects that are ready to go now. LSSU says bury it.
"Transparent" is another government term usually used to explain something that's anything but. LSSU just can't see it's continued use.
"Tweet" and all it's variations describe the activities associated with sending others messages of 140 characters or less. LSSU would seem to think this to be some bird-brained activity.
"Friend" as a verb is a social networking term used when you agree to make someone your acquaintance. LSSU thinks we should unfriend this term.
"Teachable moment" is a condescending term to describe the art of "learning a lesson". Seems we've all had our teachable moment according to LSSU.
"Chillaxin" is a word that combines chillin' and relaxin' to underscore how "loose" someone is. I guess LSSU feels no one can be THAT relaxed.
How white guys do chillaxin'...
One final note. The funny thing about this list is I haven't used most of these words and already they've been banned. Talk about your teachable moment!
Comments
They want us to use less words and be more concise.
The noyve!
word veri: nessup
Hey nessup dude?
Elethump - being hit on the head by an Elephant. OK. It's not very useful, but...
'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
etc.