'Don't worry', 'you're quiet' and 'circle back' should be banned, says yearlist

She and several others make up Lake Superior State University’s Banished Words List, an annual list compiled from submissions from around the world that highlights phrases or words that are so overused that they become useless.

While sentences related to Covid-19 dominated the previous list, the latest lineup was more conversational, a possible side effect of how Western society has adapted to the ongoing pandemic, said Peter Szatmary, executive director of marketing and communications at LSSU, in a position.

The school has released this list since 1976 and has received thousands of submissions. In the past year, people have submitted more than 1,250 words, with nominations coming not only from the US, but also from Norway, Belgium, England, Scotland, Australia and Canada.

The school announces the results of the annual collection on the last day of the year.

“Say what you mean and mean what you say. It couldn’t be easier or harder,” LSSU President Rodney S. Hanley said in a statement. “Every year, contributors go to great lengths to suggest which words and terms to banish by paying close attention to what humanity speaks and writes. Taking a deep dive at the end of the day and then circling back makes perfect sense. Wait , what?”

With that, here are the 10 phrases that made the 2021 list.

wait what?

Intended to convey surprise or uncertainty, some found this expression inaccurate, the school said. “I don’t want to wait,” complained one person.

No problem

Nominated for its ubiquity, “don’t worry” is used as a substitute for “you’re welcome.” But it’s really pointless, the school noted.

At the end of the day

This isn’t the first time this phrase has made it onto the Banished Words list – it first appeared in 1999. Nevertheless, much to the chagrin of many, it persists.

That being said

This sentence is simply an unnecessary verbal filler, the reporters argued. “Go ahead and say whatever you want!” one demanded.

Ask for a friend

This phrase had a huge year, in part because of its use as a joke on social media (which clearly understood that the user was really just asking for themselves). While some may have thought it funny, these nominators have had it and say the phrase is overused.

Return

“It’s a conversation, not the Winter Olympics,” the school said bluntly.

deep dive

Diving is for bodies of water, a denominator said, not for subjects or materials. Another wondered, “Do we need ‘deep’? I mean, is anyone diving in the shallow end?” A good question.

New normal

Used as a catch-all for the ways our world has changed with Covid-19, this phrase was actually banned in 2012 (for other reasons). Now some are arguing that the pandemic isn’t really “new” anymore. And if something is normal, can it be new?

You are on mute

It speaks for itself.

Supply Chain

Supply chain issues have effectively become a scapegoat for any kind of shortage, one person said, while others argue the phrase has become a meaningless buzzword. While that may be justified, there are some really serious supply chain issues, even if some are tired of hearing about them.