For 50 years, Lake Superior State University has presented a New Year’s tradition of linguistic commentary and the evolution of language.
According to LSSU officials, the annual Banished Words List first began as a New Year’s Eve party idea in 1976 and has since “grown into a global reflection on the words that wear out their welcome.”
Over 1,400 submissions for words and phrases considered to be overused or worthless were submitted from all 50 states and from all around the world.
This year’s entries range from corporate jargon like “incentivize” to Gen Alpha’s 2025 calling card of “6-7.”
LSSU banished word list 2026
To nominate a word or phrase for 2027, or for more information on the tradition, go to lssu.edu/traditions/banishedwords.
— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 6-7 is cooked: Michigan university releases 2026 list of banned words
Reporting by Jillian Fellows, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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