Banished Words 2007

Lake Superior State University in Michigan used to have this group called the Unicorn Hunters. Long story, but their annual "List of Words Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness" has continued years after the group was retired. Along with each word or phrase is the nominator's rationale for banishment.

Here is a link to this amusing list for 2007.

My favorite is:

AWESOME -- Given a one-year moratorium in 1984, when the Unicorn Hunters banished it "during which it is to be rehabilitated until it means 'fear mingled with admiration or reverence; a feeling produced by something majestic." Many write to tell us there's no hope and it's time for "the full banishment."

"The kind of tennis shoes you wear, no matter how cute, don't fit the majestic design of the word." -- Leila Hill, Damascus, Maryland.