Lake Superior State University in Michigan has declared the viral phrase ‘6–7’ as the top offender in its 50th annual Banished Words List for 2026. This tradition, established in 1976 during a New Year’s Eve gathering, highlights words and expressions that have overstayed their welcome in the English language. The initiative, which started as a lighthearted critique of linguistic overuse, has evolved into a global phenomenon, inviting submissions from around the world.
This year, more than 1,400 nominations poured in from all 50 US states and countries including Uzbekistan, Brazil, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The sheer volume of submissions reflects the deep-seated frustrations many experience with phrases that clutter everyday conversations. University officials sift through these nominations to compile a final list that is both entertaining and insightful, capturing the shifting landscape of language.
Top Offenders and Cultural Reflections
Leading the list is ‘6–7’, a shorthand for ‘six or seven’ that has infiltrated texts and conversations alike. Contributors voiced their disdain, with Paul E. from Wisconsin humorously claiming there are ‘six or seven reasons why this phrase needs to be stopped.’ Scott T. from Utah joined the chorus, suggesting it should be ’86’ed,’ a term borrowed from diner culture meaning to remove.
The list is not limited to numbers. The term ‘demure’ has come under fire, particularly in its frequent usage on platforms like TikTok. As Tammy S. noted, it has become ‘very said more than very done,’ while Madison C. remarked that its overuse has diluted its original meaning of modesty.
‘Cooked,’ a slang term meaning overwhelmed, has garnered criticism as well. Parents, led by James C. from Washington, are calling for a blanket ban on all variants of ‘cook’, arguing that the term has lost its impact. Additionally, the word ‘massive’ faced backlash from Don and Gail K. from Minnesota, who pointed out that it is often used to describe things that are far from gigantic.
Corporate jargon also made an appearance on the list, with the word ‘incentivize’ described by Patricia from Texas as grating like ‘nails on a chalkboard.’ She questioned why simpler terms like ‘motivate’ cannot be used instead. Other words that drew criticism include ‘full stop,’ which many consider redundant, and ‘perfect,’ which has been deemed overused in customer service contexts.
A Milestone Year and Repeat Offenders
For its milestone anniversary, the Banished Words List revisited terms previously banned that have resurfaced. ‘Absolutely’ made a comeback from its original bans in 1996 and 2023, now regarded as a lazy default for agreement. ‘At the end of the day’ achieved a rare triple ban, having been criticized in 1999, 2022, and again in 2024 for being overused by media pundits.
The phrase ‘awesome’ resurfaced from bans in 1984 and 2007, with some contributors arguing that it has been trivialized to describe mundane events. Similarly, ‘game changer’ returned from 2009, with Cynthia declaring ‘game over’ for the cliché. Additionally, the phrase ‘hot water heater’ has been called out once again, echoing its bans in 1982 and 2018.
Over the past five decades, the Banished Words List has transitioned from a simple public relations stunt by W.T. (Bill) Rabe into a cultural touchstone. It serves to critique jargon while celebrating the fluidity of language. Thousands of contributors continue to participate, ensuring that language remains sharp and relevant.
As we move into 2026, the Banished Words List not only highlights linguistic annoyances but also serves as a reflection of our collective attitude towards communication. It reminds us that while language evolves, not every popular phrase deserves a permanent place in our vocabulary.
