A New Year’s tradition at Lake Superior State University is marking a milestone anniversary.
LSSU has released its 50th annual Banished Words List, a tongue-in-cheek commentary on words and phrases deemed overused, misused or no longer useful in everyday language. The list, announced each New Year’s Day, began in 1976 as a humorous idea at a campus New Year’s Eve party and has since grown into an internationally recognized tradition.
This year’s list drew more than 1,400 submissions from all 50 U.S. states and from contributors around the world, including Brazil, Japan and the United Kingdom.
Topping the 2026 list is the phrase “6-7,” criticized for its vagueness and frequent misuse. Other words and phrases earning banishment include “demure,” “cooked,” “massive,” and “incentivize,” each cited for excessive or incorrect usage.
Additional entries include “full stop,” “perfect,” “gift” or “gifted” when used as verbs, “my bad,” and “reach out.” Several of the phrases have appeared on previous lists, reflecting what organizers say is the stubborn staying power of certain linguistic habits.
According to the university, the Banished Words List is not meant to police speech, but to encourage clearer and more thoughtful communication. For 50 years, the list has offered a humorous snapshot of cultural trends, corporate jargon and conversational shortcuts that creep into daily life.
LSSU officials thanked the thousands of participants who submitted nominations this year, noting that public engagement continues to keep the tradition relevant — and entertaining — as it enters its next half century.
