LSSU collects words for banishment

You know this year's trendy word that you just can't stand, any time you hear it or read it?  Or the phrase that people keep using that drives you nuts?

John Shibley and Tom Pink from Lake Superior State University's public relations office want to know about it.

They're compiling LSSU's annual  "List of Words Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-Use, Over-Use, or General Uselessness."

John Shibley says the list is fun, and it says a lot, too, about how we relate to language.

"It's the vehicle for conveying identity, and oftentimes, it runs us.  People are frustrated by that, and they take a time out, and they drop us an email or a card, saying, 'These are the words or phrases that bother me, because I feel backed into using them.  They're too fashionable, too over-used.'"

He says election years often produce some great words that are just waiting to be banished.

"We're coming out of midterm elections, things become very partisan, very political, and there are a lot of talking points.  That phrase has shown up on a list one year; I think it was three years ago."

You can suggest words for the list here.

LSSU is taking nominations until December 20th.  The list will be published on New Year's Eve.