Lake Superior State University Reveals 2025 List of Expelled Words

Contact: Kimberly Muller, (email protected)

(Sault Ste. Marie, MI) – A new year brings the promise of new beginnings, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to reflect on words and phrases that may have grown weary of their use. Welcome. Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is proud to unveil the 2025 edition of its Banished Words List, a unique tradition that began in 1976, when former LSSU Public Relations Director Bill Rabe and his colleagues delighted fans of word on the first “List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness”.

Every year, this useless list shines a spotlight on words and terms that are overused, misused, or unnecessary. It offers a moment to laugh, pause, and consider how we can be more mindful of the language we use every day.

“Words matter! Old habits can be hard to get rid of and we are happy to serve as a resource for the court of public opinion on what should continue to be part of the English language and what should stop,” said the President of Lake Superior State, Dr. David Travis.

LSSU received submissions from around the world this year, including entries from Canada, Australia, Denmark, Germany, India, South Africa, and the United States. The fact that some of the same rejected word suggestions come from different parts of the world highlights the universal struggle to deal with challenging words and phrases.

Here are the 2025 words and phrases selected for eviction, along with the reasons they made the list:

While “cringe” used to pack a punch, it’s now overstaying its welcome. Excessive use nullifies its effect, and in fact, its use can cause the very reaction it describes. “Telling someone ‘makes you cringe’ or saying ‘you’re mad about something’ is an easy and accurate way to use the word,” writes Ash from Newton, Alabama. “Hearing someone say ‘someone is so angry’ makes me cringe!”

How many times does the game change before it is recognized? This phrase, often used to describe anything remotely new, is as tired as a well-worn cliché. “No one can change the game when everyone can change the game,” wrote Patrick in Washington, DC.

Unless you’re Taylor Swift, maybe it’s time to ditch the “season”. The overuse of the term makes every passing moment feel like it needs a historical marker. Leah of Holland, Michigan submitted, “Thanks to Taylor Swift’s tour name, now there’s a ‘season’ for everyone and everything! ‘She’s in her fatherhood season’, ‘She’s in her season to make pottery,’ etc., etc. It is overused and tiresome.”

Once edgy and cool, “fallen” has become more than a letdown. Whether it’s an album, a trend, or a product, this term falls flat. “Books, music, and all sorts of unnecessary things are now ‘dropped’ instead of being introduced, released, or offered for sale. Kicked out for overuse, misuse, abuse, and gave me a headache when all the “dropping” stuff landed on me!,” complained Susan of Littleton, CO.

• IYKYK (If You Know, You Know)

Internet slang and texting abbreviations are always favorites among Banished Word submitters each year. Cryptic and exclusionary, this phrase offers little explanation or substance. If you know, you’ll probably agree that it’s time to let it go. Amy from Redford, MI feels that this phrase should be annoying and pointless.

A heartfelt apology masquerading as bold honesty, this phrase is as disingenuous as it sounds. Banished Word enthusiasts recommend just saying what you mean or at least in one case showing a little kindness. Sabrina from Wrenshall, MN wrote, “It’s really tiring to hear, and it gives people another reason to screw each other.”

This viral word may have resonated with a younger crowd, but for many it was just noise. Agatha from Denmark explained, “No one cares about Skibidi toilet, Skibidi fizz, or Skibidi Ohio fanum tax. At this point, no one knows what it means and it makes people angry. “

Is it possible to be overly enthusiastic about retirement with the phrase “100%”? Perfect! Its overuse leaves no room for nuance or doubt. A phrase that is often nominated for its overuse, some feel it is underutilized. “Since when should a percentage be used to describe your agreement in a conversation?” asked Stephen from Sudbury, Ontario.

A classic offender, “use” proves that longer is not always better. Why complicate things when “use” is just fine? Everett of Cumby, Texas urged readers to “Write like you speak,” adding, “Lord, please don’t speak like that.”

Yes, we get your point—no need to spell it out. Overuse has turned it into a phase that we are ready to end. Theresa from Detroit, MI, recommends that we discard this word by putting it in a bottle and sending it to the ocean.

As LSSU celebrates the 49th year of this fun tradition, the amazing Banished Words List continues to highlight the dynamic nature of communication and how words and phrases powerfully affect our everyday lives. that life.

To nominate a word or phrase for the 2026 Banished Words List, or to learn more about the tradition, visit lssu.edu/traditions/banishedwords.