Banishing Phrases

As I am a bit of a language geek, I found the following interesting.

Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in Michigan has released its tongue-in-cheek annual list of words and terms that should be banished for “misuse, overuse, and uselessness,” the school said in a statement.

My response to each phrase is in italics.


“Wait, what?”

These words are misused and should not be put together because “the two-part halting interrogative is disingenuous, divergent, and deflective.”

**I usually stay with; “Really!”

“No worries”

These words are not technically a proper substitution for “thank you.” 

**Personally hates this phrase!!!**

“At the end of the day”

Often things do not end at the end of the day, nor the ramifications of whatever is happening.

“That being said”

It is a redundant phrase which you can easily replace it with “however”. 

**Raises hand as guilty of using this phrase.**

“Asking for a friend”

It is used for deceit; however, very often as an attempt at humor. 

**Personally, I think it is fun!**

“Circle back”

This is overused corporate ‘speech’. It basically translates to “Let’s come back to this”. Just say that. 

**I have never used it and after hearing Psaki use it so often, never would.**

“Deep dive”

Again, corporate jargon. It is lazy speech. Just say you are going to take a deeper look at something. 

**I have never used it. I dislike ‘lazy speech’, . I have friends who are real divers.**

“New normal”

This began with COVID. 

**Again, not a phrase I have used.**

“You’re on mute”

This became prevalent with the increase in Zoom meetings. After two years, participants should know how to use the technology.

**Another one I have never used.**

“Supply chain”

Supply chain issues do exist; however, they are not the cause of everything. It is overused

**I have used it in sarcasm.**

Those are their choices. Are there any you wish to be ’banished’?