SAULT St. MARIE, Mi. —
By the time you read this, chances are you're tired of hearing about the "fiscal cliff." The same can likely be said of talk about "job creators," or "job creation."
And the phrase "spoiler alert" has, well, spoiled.
Each year Lake Superior State University releases a list of words and phrases it would like to see banned from the English language. They're overused and parroted to the point of meaninglessness. Every celebrity has some cause about which they are "passionate," as they're more than happy to tell you.
Granted, no one has the ability to simply ban words or phrases from the language. Languages depend on the people using them and, so long as people use the terms, they'll stay right where they are.
Need proof? "Disenfranchise," "brainstorm," "functionality," and "infommercial," all nominees for banishment from the 2002 list, are still common currency in speech today.
You can read this year's list by clicking here. Prior lists dating back to 1976 are available here.
Community News Network
What words are up for banishment this year?
- Community News Network
-
- Lanes of Highway 149 to be closed Wednesday Lanes of Highway 149 to be closed Wednesday OTTUMWA -- Ottumwa Water & Hydro will close the inside lanes on the Iowa Highway 149 (Business 63) bridge at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. Motorists should plan ahead for the lane reduction and consider taking an a
- Calendar Groups wanting to be included in the Calendar must submit the item every time the group meets, at least three days in advance of the meeting. Send information to Calendar, Newsroom, Ottumwa Courier, 213 E. Second St., Ottumwa 52501 or send email to n
- Meetings Today Ottumwa Wapello County Board of Supervisors, 9:30 a.m., third-floor boardroom/courtroom. Area Albia Monroe County Board of Supervisors, 9:30 a.m.. Keosauqua Van Buren County Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m., Keosauqua Public Library.
-
LIVE BLOG: Massive tornado hits south of OKC
A massive tornado touched down Monday afternoon in Moore, Okla., just south of Oklahoma City. Follow live coverage of the aftermath of the storm.
-
VIDEO: Tumblr sold to Yahoo! for $1.1 billion
Yahoo! has purchased Tumblr for $1.1 billion, hoping to compete more effectively with sites like Google and Facebook.
-
What you need to know about preparing for tornadoes
Tornado survivors and seasoned observers suggest people do two simple things to prepare for tornadoes: Know where to take shelter, and move quickly when the time comes.
-
VIDEO: How technology helps predict tornadoes
At the National Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma, the team charged with predicting tornadoes relies on ever-changing technology to determine when and where storms may strike.
-
SLIDESHOW: Tornado passes through Oklahoma
A fast-moving storm brought rain, hail and tornadoes to Oklahoma late Sunday afternoon and evening.
-
Officer treated and released after injuries from Oklahoma windstorm
Enid, Okla. police officer Lee Friesendahl was treated and released at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center Saturday night after his patrol car was struck by a strong windstorm triggered by a heat burst.
-
Kia Optima is a hit with the buying public
When it comes to midsized family sedans, the Kia Optima ranks high on my list for its good looks, economy and value.
- More Community News Network Headlines



