Every New Year’s Day, a quirky tradition emerges from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, sparking both laughter and reflection: the annual list of banned words from Lake Superior State University (LSSU). But here’s where it gets controversial—while many see it as a lighthearted jab at overused phrases, others argue it’s a subtle yet powerful statement about the evolution (or devolution) of language. This year’s list, like those before it, is more than just a collection of linguistic pet peeves; it’s a tribute to creativity, literacy, and the enduring legacy of a man who understood the power of a good idea.
The list, now in its 50th year, owes its existence to W.T. Rabe, a publicist whose ingenuity has outlived him. Rabe’s brainchild, originally titled ‘List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness,’ has become a global phenomenon. Nominations pour in from six continents, proving that the reach of this small Michigan university extends far beyond its snowy campus. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about banning words; it’s about sparking conversations about how we communicate.
This year’s dishonored words include ‘gift’ and ‘incentivize’ as verbs, which the committee finds grating, and ‘massive,’ often used to describe things that are anything but. Also making a return are ‘my bad’ (first banned in 1998 for its infantilizing tone) and ‘reach out’ (originally listed in 1994 for straying from its intended meaning of emotional support). Then there’s ‘6-7,’ a phrase so baffling it’s hard to take seriously, and ‘cooked,’ which has been overused to the point of exhaustion. Even ‘demure’ gets a callout, often misused to describe mindlessly aggressive behavior.
To nominate a word for next year’s list, visit LSSU’s website (lssu.edu) and ponder this: how many people recognize Lake Superior State University, even if they can’t pronounce Sault Ste. Marie or locate it on a map? Is this list a harmless tradition or a necessary check on our linguistic laziness?
Rabe’s story is as fascinating as the list itself. Born in 1921, he served in the Army during World War II and later in Germany, where he discovered a springtime ritual of burning a wood-and-straw figure. This inspired his own tradition at LSSU: an annual snowman burning, complete with grilled hot dogs. His PR prowess was legendary; in the 1960s, he convinced a student to lead the ‘Stamp Out the Beatles Society,’ which gained enough attention that John Lennon himself responded. When Rabe arrived at LSSU in 1971, he brought with him a knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
LSSU may not be known for its academic rivalry with Michigan’s bigger universities—its Wikipedia page lists more hockey players than scholars—but it’s undeniably carved out a unique place in pop culture. Is this list a clever marketing stunt, or does it serve a deeper purpose in preserving the integrity of language?
Rabe’s legacy lives on not just in the banned words list but also in traditions like the annual stone-skipping contest on Mackinac Island, where he’s buried alongside his wife, Ann. Their gravestone reads, ‘Life is a grave matter,’ a reminder that even in humor, there’s meaning. And so, we return to the list: Perfect. Full stop.
What do you think? Is the banned words list a brilliant tradition or an unnecessary fuss? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
