Words to Forget: Lake Superior State University’s Annual Banished Words List
As the calendar flips to a new year, Lake Superior State University (LSSU) revives its tradition of spotlighting words and phrases that have worn out their welcome. The university’s Banished Words list, which has been a fixture for half a century, compiles terms that are overused, nonsensical, or simply irritating.
Originally launched as a playful activity during a New Year’s Eve gathering in 1976, the list has evolved into a global phenomenon. This year, over 1,400 entries flooded in from across the United States and countries as diverse as Uzbekistan, Brazil, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
David Travis, President of LSSU, is a fan of the list’s inclusion of “6-7.” He joked, “No one seems to know what it’s about, what it means. It’s just a cultural phenomenon, kind of like last year we banished the word ‘skibidi.'”
LSSU’s Banished Words list serves a dual purpose. While it entertains, it also acts as a valuable public relations tool for the university. As Travis noted, “You know, we’re way up here near Canada along the border and sometimes we get forgotten about. I do think this has brought some really much-needed attention to a small university, and showcases our emphasis on communication for all students.”
Words and Phrases Banished in 2025
6-7 (six seven)
Claiming the top spot, this phrase puzzled many. Paul E. from Wisconsin humorously remarked, “There are six or seven reasons why this phrase needs to be stopped.”
Demure
This term, often paired with ‘very,’ has lost its original impact. Tammy S. noted, “It’s very said more than very done, and we’re all very done hearing it!”
Cooked
Parents, in particular, have grown weary of this term. Zac A. from Virginia stated, “Hearing it … my brain feels ‘cooked.’”
Massive
This word has been labeled as massively overused, as noted by Don and Gail K. from Minnesota.
Incentivize
A prime example of turning nouns into verbs, Patricia from Texas questioned, “What’s wrong with motivate?”
Full stop
Considered redundant punctuation, Marybeth A. from Oregon likened it to the previously banished ‘period.’
Perfect
Jo H. from California remarked, “There are very few instances when the word actually applies.”
Gift/gifted (as a verb)
James S. from Oklahoma pointed out its previous banishment in 1994, expressing hope for its return to the list.
My Bad
This casual apology phrase failed to evolve in meaning. Andrea R. from Ohio shared, “It does not convey much meaning in the way of an apology.”
Reach Out
Once a phrase with supportive intentions, Kevin B. from the UK noted its current overuse.
Repeat Offenders: Words That Refused to Stay Banished
Absolutely (1996, 2023)
Once favored by WXYT listeners, it returned in 2023 as the default expression of agreement.
At the End of the Day (1999, 2022, 2024)
This phrase earned the rare distinction of being banished thrice, associated with political and Hollywood circles.
Awesome (1984, 2007)
First banished for widespread misuse, it resurfaced in 2007, with global audiences labeling it as overused.
Game Changer (2009, 2025)
Patrick from Washington, DC commented, “nothing is a game changer if everything is a game changer.”
