Banished words overdue

For the last 38 years Lake Superior State University has attempted to perform a community service by issuing its List of Words to be Banished from the Queen's English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness.

The list was nominated by thousands of people in the United States, Canada and elsewhere who emailed, wrote and faxed their most offensive words and phrases to the university for consideration.

The phrase getting the most nominations was my personal favorite: fiscal cliff. The phrase has been so overused by the talking heads on TV news broadcasts, by TV commentators (especially on the cable networks) and, yes, by newspapers, that it makes my ears and eyes hurt.

Duh, everyone, including the self-serving political hacks in Congress have known for months the financial crisis was fast approaching for the taxpaying public as well as for government, but the politicians did nothing about it, opting instead to follow their political game-playing instead of doing what was in the best interest of the populous and the nation.

We should remember this congressional gridlock when the next congressional election rolls around.

"Job creators/creation" also made the list, as well it should since it is nothing more than a Republican euphemism to spin away from the terms rich and/or wealthy. After all, it is not just the rich who create jobs, but maybe both political parties need to be reminded of that fact and begin speaking clear English.

Lake Superior State University's 38th annual list of banished words:

— fiscal cliff

— kick the can down the road

— double down

— job creators/creation

— passion/passionate

— YOLO (you only live once)

— spoiler alert

— bucket list

— trending

— superfood

— boneless wings

— guru