DETROIT — Wait for it: At the end of the day, hacks need to slay 10 cringe-worthy words and phrases, according to an iconic list from a Michigan university.
The 2024 Lake Superior State University Banished Words List, released Sunday, is: hack, impact, at the end of the day, rizz, slay, iconic, cringe-worthy, obsessed, side-hustle and wait for it.
This year marks the second appearance of the word “iconic” on the annual list that the Sault Ste. Marie university began releasing in 1976. “Iconic” was also on the 2009 Banished Words list.
“Perhaps it’s time for another attempt to point out (the word’s) overuse and lack of meaning in most situations,” the university said in a press release. “Despite its initial recognition as a word worthy of distinction, its repeated application in contexts that don’t merit such acclaim challenges its genuine iconic status. It’s like that one-hit wonder playing on loop.”
Less than a month after Oxford University adopted the word “rizz” as its 2023 Word of the Year, Lake Superior State’s list dissed the colloquial noun that’s defined as “style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner.”
“Rizz, derived as a shortened form for “charisma,” gained prominence as Oxford’s word of the year and has become a familiar presence in the realm of social media discourse,” Lake Superior said in its press release. “The ubiquity of this term prompts contemplation on whether it retains its relevance. With language doing the cha-cha of change, we’re wondering if this word still rocks the charisma scene or if it’s time for a language remix.”
The judges were similarly snarky when slaying the phrase “wait for it.”
According to LSSU, the university received more than 2,000 nominations from across the world, although most entries came from the United States.
“If we’re watching the video, then we’re already waiting for it, right?” the release said. “While ‘wait for it’ is trying to be the hype master, let’s question if it’s adding extra sparkle or just stating the obvious?”
Lake Superior’s judges took a more serious tone when explaining why “side hustle” made the list.
“The term ‘side hustle’ has gained widespread use, prompting considerations about its impact on how we perceive economic challenges,” the university said. “It may be worth reflecting on whether its prevalence inadvertently downplays the genuine reality of the situation. While ‘side hustle’ adds flair to our language, our contributors feel that the only hustle is the one needed to get to their second job.”
The university’s annual banned list, in its 48th year, is picked up by media outlets across the country. According to LSSU, the university received more than 2,000 nominations from across the world, although most entries came from the United States.
“This tradition highlights certain words that are often misused, overused, or have lost their meaning over the past year. It encourages us to laugh at ourselves as we reconsider and reflect on the importance of our vocabulary,” the university’s release said.
