There are a number of words I’d like to blacklist at work. Identified, sustainable, showcase… a bunch of buzzwords robbed of their meaning by overuse and the ability to fit into any context. I don’t like weasel words – and I recommend removing them from anything you write/produce/say lest you fall into a position where your colleagues play bingo based on the predictability of your speech.
The Lake Superior State University has published a list of banished words. They’re not arbitrarily selected. They give reasons. And also include popular, overused phrases. Words on the list include: green, first dude, bailout, maverick, carbon offset and others.
What words/phrases would you ban given the chance?
Comments
Literally, at least when its used to mean metaphorically, but we’ve already talked about that. Also, ridiculous conjunctions like chillax and fantabulous.
Oh come on Joel… chillax is a great word… :)