Lake Superior State University releases 2025 ‘Banished Words List’ [Video]

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — Carrying on an annual tradition dating back to 1976, Lake Superior State University (LSSU) has released its 2025 Banished Words List. 

As always, the list features words from the past year that are “banished” for their “misuse, overuse and general uselessness.”

LSSU received submissions from around the world to create the list, including entries from Canada, Australia, Denmark, Germany, India, South Africa and the United States.

“Words matter! Old habits can be hard to break and we’re happy to serve as a resource for the court of public opinion on what should continue to be part of the English language and what needs to be put to rest,” said Lake Superior State President Dr. David Travis.  

2025’s list of banished words and LSSU’s reasoning behind them are: