SAULT STE. MARIE, Michigan — If you're aiming to make some changes in the new year, one Michigan university has a few suggestions.
Lake Superior State University's (LSSU) released its 45th annual "List of Words Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness." The English department has worked to create the list since 1976.
"These days, 'living your best life' is 'literally' impossible with 'influencers' making us 'totes' 'jelly,'" an LSSU spokesperson 'chirped.' "'I mean,' the least they could do is watch their words."
Topping the charts for 2020, "quid pro quo." The Latin phrase gained popularity during the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
"No quid pro quo was offered during the creation of this meticulously curated list of words," stated Dr. Rodney Hanley, LSSU President, "I mean, literally, this holiday season I'm living my best life and looking forward to all the reactions to this years list."
The list is created through suggestions and nominations sent in from across the globe.
Since then, the list has consisted entirely of nominations received from around the world throughout the year. LSSU says it has received tens of thousands of nominations throughout the years. The 2020 edition includes words sent in mostly through the university's website, lssu.edu/banished.
Here is the entire list of words and phrases:
- Quid pro quo
- Artisanal
- Curated
- Influencer
- Literally
- I mean
- Living my best life
- Mouthfeel
- Chirp
- Jelly
- Totes
- Vibe / vibe check
- OK, Boomer
You can see the explanations for each entry on this year's list by clicking here.
