Lake Superior State University Releases 2017’s ‘Banished Words List’

Lake Superior State University –- the smallest public university in Michigan — has released its 42nd annual list of banished words.

The list’s proper name is the List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness, and has been a Lake Superior tradition since 1976.

So, which words and phrases need to disappear as we enter 2017?

You, Sir

While this phrase seems fine and polite enough, it seems it's been a little overused in recent years, especially by online trolls.

Listicle

We've featured quite a few of these here on our website, but the word-watchers at LSSU say that the phrase needs to go. What is a listicle? A numbered or bulleted list on a website. For instance: 5 Terrible, Free Christmas List Ideas on Craigslist in Grand Rapids. 

On Fleek

How many different words or phrases do we need that mean "looks good". A lot, apparently, as new ones are popping up all of the time. If you still haven't managed to word "on fleek" into your daily life, don't worry about it. LSSU says that phrase needs to go away, too.

Dadbod

This word, used to describe the physique of the typical father(? we guess?) is another that needs to go, according to LSSU. Not only is it probably some sort of shaming, the university says that it makes dads think that it's okay to live a sedentary lifestyle. ll

What other words should go away in the coming year? Check out the full Banished Words List here.