Key Takeaways
- The 50th annual "Banished Words List" has been released by Lake Superior State University, featuring the top 10 overused and misused words and phrases of the year.
- "6-7" and "cooked" are among the top words on the list, along with "demure," "incentivize," "perfect," "gift/gifted," "my bad," and "reach out."
- The list represents the fad and vernacular trends of the younger generation, with social media playing a significant role in the misuse and overuse of words.
- Some words and phrases on the list, such as "my bad" and "reach out," have been featured on the list before, while others, like "6-7," are more recent additions.
Introduction to the Banished Words List
The 50th annual "Banished Words List" has been released by Lake Superior State University, featuring the top 10 overused and misused words and phrases of the year. The list, which started as a New Year’s Eve party idea in 1976, is affectionately called the list of "Queen’s English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness." This year’s list includes words and phrases such as "6-7," "cooked," "demure," "incentivize," "perfect," "gift/gifted," "my bad," and "reach out." The list is compiled from submissions from all 50 states and several countries outside the US, including Uzbekistan, Brazil, and Japan.
The Meaning of "6-7"
One of the most notable words on the list is "6-7," which has been a source of confusion for many people, particularly those over the age of 40. The phrase, which is often used by Gen Z, is considered by many to be nonsensical in meaning and is seen as an inside joke driven by social media. Even Dictionary.com, which picked "6-7" as its word of the year, admits that the phrase’s meaning is unclear. Each number can be spoken aloud as "six, seven," and some people combine them to form the number 67, which has become a rallying cry at college basketball games.
Reactions to the Banished Words List
Not everyone is happy about the inclusion of certain words and phrases on the list. Alana Bobbitt, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Michigan, is unapologetic about using "6-7," saying that she finds joy in it and thinks it’s fun to use, even if she doesn’t fully understand its meaning. On the other hand, Jalen Brezzell, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, says that he doesn’t get the joke and refuses to use the phrase. However, he does use other words and phrases on the list, such as "cooked," which he thinks is a useful way to express that something is over or finished.
The Longevity of Overused Words and Phrases
According to David Travis, the president of Lake Superior State University, some words and phrases on the list will stick around for a long time, while others will be fleeting. He notes that phrases like "at the end of the day" have become a permanent part of the language, while others, like "6-7," may fade away quickly. Travis also points out that social media has played a significant role in the misuse and overuse of words, as it allows people to share and adopt language without fully understanding its meaning or context.
The Significance of the Banished Words List
The Banished Words List is more than just a lighthearted way to poke fun at overused language. It also highlights the evolving nature of language and the ways in which social media and technology are changing the way we communicate. By acknowledging the words and phrases that are being overused or misused, we can gain a better understanding of the language and its limitations. As Travis notes, the list represents the fad and vernacular trends of the younger generation, and it provides a snapshot of the language at a particular moment in time.
Conclusion
The 50th annual "Banished Words List" is a fascinating look at the overused and misused words and phrases of the year. From "6-7" to "cooked," the list features a range of words and phrases that are sure to spark conversation and debate. Whether you agree or disagree with the list, it’s clear that language is constantly evolving, and the Banished Words List is an important part of that evolution. By acknowledging the words and phrases that are being overused or misused, we can gain a better understanding of the language and its limitations, and we can work to use language in a more thoughtful and effective way.