The annual 'Banished Words' list, compiled by Lake Superior State University (LSSU), highlights phrases that are misused, overused, or generally useless. This year's list includes some interesting entries, including the top contender: 'wait, what?'

The phrase 'wait, what?' is often used on social media as a reaction to something confusing or contradictory. It seems like a harmless expression, but LSSU's Marketing and Communications Executive Director Peter Szatmary believes it has worn out its welcome. 'When you think about it, those are two different things,' he says.

Another phrase that made the cut is 'new normal.' Szatmary points out that people have been using this term since the COVID-19 pandemic began, but now it's become cliché. 'And those people who keep using 'the new normal' are thinking about something that is in fact regular,' he says. This year's list contains fewer terms related to the pandemic than previous years.

The process of selecting the banished words involves a nominations period during which people submit their own candidates. Judges then select the top 10 entries, and the list is published on December 31st each year. The list has grown significantly over the years, with more than 1,000 entries currently on the site.

Art teacher and social media influencer Laurie Bloomer knows firsthand how frustrating it can be when words become overused or misused. She recently had an ad rejected by Instagram because of its perceived political content, but when she changed the phrase to 'inclusive kids,' the ad was approved. Bloomer is a strong advocate for anti-racism and uses her social media platform to promote inclusive values.

When Instagram initially rejected her ad, Bloomer assumed it was due to censorship. She had to do her own investigation, scouring data sources like the Insights dashboard Instagram offers to professional accounts. There was no customer service agent available to take her call.

Bloomer's experience highlights the importance of being aware of the words and phrases we use online. As she says, 'It's time for everyone to figure out where the 'mute' button is.' The 2022 list serves as a reminder that language is constantly evolving, and some phrases may become outdated or overused.

Szatmary notes that the list will occasionally include terms that have been 'banished' before. He believes this is because people often use words and phrases without fully considering their meaning or impact.

The LSSU Banished Words list has been a popular annual tradition since 1976, and it continues to spark conversations about language and communication. For those who are interested in submitting words for next year's list, nominations are already being accepted for 2023.

In conclusion, the 2022 Banished Words list highlights some of the most overused, misused, or generally useless phrases in our language. From 'wait, what?' to 'new normal,' these expressions may have lost their original impact and become clichés. The list serves as a reminder to be mindful of our words and consider the context in which we use them.

2022 banished words