Lake Superior State University released its 34th version of their annual List of Words to Be Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness earlier this week. Inspired by interest in the environment, frenzy over politics, and the economic downturn, the 15 entries selected from over 5,000 nominations include:
1. GREEN
“If something is good for the environment, just say so. As Kermit would say, ‘It isn’t easy being green.’” Kevin Sherlock, Hiawatha, Iowa.
2. CARBON FOOTPRINT or CARBON OFFSETTING
“It is now considered fashionable for everyone, tree hugger or lumberjack alike, to pay money to questionable companies to ‘offset’ their own ‘carbon footprint.’ What a scam! Get rid of it immediately!” Ginger Hunt, London, England.
3. MAVERICK
“The constant repetition of this word for months before the US election diluted whatever meaning it previously had. Even the comic offshoot ‘mavericky’ was terribly overused. A minimum five-year banishment of both words is suggested so they will not be available during the next federal election.” Matthew Mattila, Green Bay, Wisc. Keep reading »
