A small college in Michigan, Lake Superior State University has released its annual list of "banished words and phrases"
There are 14 words and phrases that they consider so overused, misused and hackneyed that they deserve to be consigned to a permanent linguistic trash can in the year ahead. I hope they don't mind if I share this:-
VIRAL
"Often used to describe the spreading of items on the Internet i.e. 'The video went viral.'
EPIC
When used as an adjective.
FAIL
When used as a noun.
WOW FACTOR
A phrase used to point out something with a somewhat significantly appealing appearance.
A-HA MOMENT
Used to describe the point at which you understand something or something becomes clearer.
BACK STORY
Used to describe the history that leads to a particular event.
BFF
Short for Best Friends Forever. Not to be confused with BFFA (Best friends for a while).
MAN UP
A phrase used to tell someone to be a man about something.
REFUDIATE
An invention by Sarah Palin, who seems to want to fill George Bush's shoes in more ways than one. It bridges the gap between "refuse" and "repudiate".
MAMA GRIZZLIES
Used to describe right-wing female politicians (see above).
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
Often used by politicians in Congress instead of saying 'Americans' or 'people'.
I'M JUST SAYIN'
A phrase used to diffuse any ill feelings caused by a preceded remark.
FACEBOOK / GOOGLE
When used as verbs.
LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST
Used instead of saying "enjoy life fully".
Read the full story here: http://www.lssu.edu/banished/current.php