If you could erase any word or phrase, what would it be?
For half a century, people have been sounding off about the words they’re sick of hearing.
Every year, Lake Superior State University compiles its “banished words” list, a collection of words and phrases people say are overused, misused or just plain annoying.
The list, based on submissions from around the world, is all in good fun, but it also shows how fast language evolves and how quickly we get tired of it.
We’ll bet you can guess this year’s biggest offender.
Despite its origin from the song “Doot Doot (6 7),” the phrase “6, 7″ has no real meaning, which may be the point.
Another word on the chopping block: “demure.” Once a word with a pretty specific meaning, it’s now used so often that some say it’s lost its meaning.
And the third most banished word: “Cooked.” What started as slang for being high or drunk has been reheated and now means you’re exhausted.
Other words making the list this year: Massive, incentivize, full stop, perfect, gifted, my bad and reach out.
From trendy to tired, the way we talk keeps changing and apparently, so does our patience for it.
So, before you say your favorite catchphrase one more time, just know it might already be on its way out.
If you want to submit a word or phrase for next year’s list, go to lssu.edu/traditions/banishedwords.