I knew it was coming! I'm just happy the folks at Lake Superior State University made it official there are words and phrases NOT to be said in the year 2021. In other words, these are the words and phrases we've all had about enough of hearing. In fact, most are sick and tired of hearing them. Lake Superior comes up with the words every year.
These made the top 10 Banished Words List. See if you agree.
1. COVID-19 (COVID, coronavirus, Rona)
Enough is enough! This is one word that clearly has overtaken our vocabulary. Not only do I want the word banished, but the awful virus itself can take a hike.
2. Social distancing
Ugh! And while we are banishing COVID-19, we can certainly take this phrase with it.
3. We’re all in this together
We are, but we aren't. The phrase seemingly was to make everyone feel calm and safe in the pandemic, but not so sure it's worked. With a surge in COVID cases and deaths, it's usefulness may have faded.
4. In an abundance of caution (various phrasings)
It sounds really important, but what the hell does it really mean? With COVID cases in the millions in the U.S., it appears we've been anything but 'cautious.'
5. In these uncertain times (various phrasings)
Is it me or does this sound like it should be from a movie trailer or perhaps a tease for the old TV show "The Twilight Zone." It sounds pretty dramatic!
6. Pivot
Who comes up with the ONE word or phrase that all reporters, commentators, corporate talking heads, and others reference when talking about the pandemic. There was a time we only used the word 'pivot' when referring to a basketball player and me trying to learn some complicated salsa dance move.
7. Unprecedented
The committee at Lake Superior State University says this word was actually on their list in 2002, but has resurfaced after it's been misused so many times. The committee say it's been used to describe events that actually do have precedent.
These are 2021 Banished Words and Terms Not About COVID-19:
8. Karen
While I chuckled at the initial "Karen-calling" created after the racist behavior of a white women responding to a Black man, now I just feel kind of sorry for all women named "Karen." I can imagine it's likely pretty offensive to them. Oops, maybe it's time to come up with a new name. "Betty" perhaps?!
9. Sus
This one I can particularly relate to, however it appears the younger folk into gaming can. It’s a shortened version for “suspicious” in the video game called Among Us. Uh - does anybody vote to keep that syllable in the gaming world.
10. I know, right?
I have to disagree with this one as I actually use this phrase pretty regularly. It's an agreement, but at the same time a question. Let's stick with it.
