Welcome to “Off the Clock,” a little something that lands somewhere between Timeless & Timely.
I send out this fun look at language and words every other Saturday, exclusively for our community of paying subscribers called the Ampersand Guild. If someone sent this to you, please consider subscribing.
“As great minds have the faculty of saying a great deal in a few words, so lesser minds have a talent of talking much, and saying nothing.” — Francois de la Rochefoucauld
Hello, fellow word nerd.
Well, it’s that time of the year once again. The glorious season of the release of the Banished Words List.
This annual tradition, started by a fellow Baker Street Irregular and kinsprit at Lake Superior State University, is now in its 48th year.
If you’d like some history of this list, the brainchild of Bill Rabe, we have an exclusive interview with his son John:
The Fascinating Origins of the Banished Word List
Welcome to “Off the Clock,” a little something that lands somewhere between Timeless & Timely. I send out this fun look at language and words every other Saturday, exclusively for our community of paying subscribers called the Ampersand Guild. If someone sent this to you, please consider subscribing.
Meanwhile, for the rest of us who want to know which of our friends require needling, here’s the 2024 version of the annual List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-Use, Over-Use, and General Uselessness, complete with the editors’ commentary.
And as usual, I’ll use all of these words in a sentence or two.
1. Hack
The term “hack” has increasingly become a popular buzzword, frequently utilized to impart an aura of innovation or sophistication to various subjects. Its widespread adoption in multiple contexts, extending beyond its initial technological context, has the potential to lessen its inherent significance. Using it everywhere, even beyond its tech roots, could make it lose its magic.
2. Impact
Especially as a verb, why use this word when we have a perfectly good word that makes more sense: “affect”? Overusing it not only takes away its pizzazz but also robs other words of their spotlight.
3. At the end of the day
Sometimes a word needs to be re-banished, and this is one of them. Many comments note that it is overused and meaningless, often employed as a rhetorical device that attempts to encapsulate the complexities of a situation summarily, lacking nuance and depth.
4. Rizz
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. 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.
5. Slay
While perfectly acceptable in specific contexts, “slay” has transcended its original meaning and infiltrated situations where its usage no longer aligns with its intended significance. Its transition from a specialized term denoting exceptional accomplishment to a commonplace expression for any achievement prompts scrutiny into its misapplication, particularly in the characterization of routine or mundane actions. Now, it’s sprinkled everywhere—from wearing a stylish outfit to tackling the art of parallel parking.
6. Iconic
This one appeared on the list in 2009, so perhaps it’s time for another attempt to point out its overuse and lack of meaning in most situations. 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.
7. Cringe-worthy
From the comments: “The use of this term is cringe-worthy.” The irony is served hot, as the very term “cringe-worthy” finds itself under the spotlight. It’s like a word caught in its own cringe-worthy moment. Now, as we usher in the new year, it’s time to decide if this linguistic drama deserves an encore or if we should bid “cringe-worthy” adieu to make room for fresh, less cringe-inducing expressions in 2024.
8. Obsessed
The use of this word for things that are not truly being obsessed over makes it a good candidate for rethinking how we use the word. The casual use of “obsessed” to describe routine interests or preferences underscores a potential misappropriation of the term, prompting a reconsideration of its application. Should one be obsessed with a new kitchen gadget or a new shade of paint? This year’s contributors think not.
9. Side hustle
The term “side hustle” has gained widespread use, prompting considerations about its impact on how we perceive economic challenges. 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.
10. Wait for it
If we’re watching the video, then we’re already waiting for it, right? 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?
The original list and release from LSSU can be found here.
And, as is our tradition, here’s the list of words, used together in a couple of sentences:
While the OED obsessed over rizz as its iconic word of the year, we think it’s — wait for it — cringe-worthy. At the end of the day, maybe this should be their side-hustle, as its impact felt more like a hack rather than a slay.
There’s so much to learn,
A comment on "Rizz." I had no idea what the origin of this was and I was unaware that it was in use enough to warrant inclusion. I think I had heard it once in my life, as a lyric in a throwaway song written by Harry Nilsson for Ringo Starr, Drumming is My Madness. "Rizz off!" was exclaimed just before Ringo went into a drum break. What that has to do with anything always perplexed me!
Quite timely! Let me add three of my own and use them in a sentence -- lawyer up; double down; plausible deniability. As in: "Scott, if you double down on using these words, you'll need to invoke plausible deniability that you are accountable; otherwise, you'll need to lawyer up to defend yourself against those who value proper language." (And Happy New Year...)