Words We Need To Banish Before 2020

Every year Lake Superior State University makes a list of words or phrases that need to be banished from our vocabulary. LSSU puts out their list at the beginning of every year so the words below are from their list that came out to start the year. Another note is that there are some words but also phrases and some phrases shortened down to make a word, so it isn't an entire list of words. This year LSSU is doing their 45th annual List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness. 

The tradition, which started as a publicity stunt to bring attention to Michigan's smallest university, has been going strong since 1976. Over the years, LSSU has received tens of thousands of submissions. To date, over 1000 words and phrases have been officially "banned." According to the university, the process of "banning words" comes from:

Word-watchers target pet peeves from everyday speech, as well as from the news, fields of education, technology, advertising, politics and more. An editor makes a final cut in late December."

Here are some of LSSU's banned words for 2019: Wheelhouse: Meaning an area of expertise, a skill. In the books: Said when something is over, wrapped up. Ghosting: When you're dating someone and they just disappear. Collusion: Often heard with "Russia" All the "OTUS" acronyms, POTUS, FLOTUS, SCOTUS: it's on this list because the nominee wants people to just say President, or Vice President.

You can check out the Full 2019 list here. The 2020 list is going to be out in less than 15 days.