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'Maverick', 'Green' and 'Bailout' top the list of words banished for overuse in 2008 
 Look up the word cliché in the dictionary and determine how many of this year's banished words fit the definition. Can you find any examples of clichés in today's newspaper?
Lake Superior State University has issued its 34th annual "List of Words to Be Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness" Had enough of Maverick? It's on the list. Are you tired of all things "Green" including "Going Green," "Green Technology," and "Green Solutions?" The concept of "Green" drew the most nominations. The economy foisted the word "bailout" on us. Do we like it? Not so much. In fact, the overused phrase "Not so much" also made the list. Will you stop using that phrase now that it's achieved this dubious distinction? Every presidential election produces its own catchphrases -- handy little words and slogans championed by White House hopefuls, their supporters and detractors. Some, like "It's the economy, stupid," and "You're no Jack Kennedy" survive and become part of our popular and political culture. Others, thankfully, fade quickly. "Joe the Plumber," "Obama Girl" and "Bridge to Nowhere" have already faded and didn't even make the LSSU list this year. Will "Maverick" fade now that it's on the list? You betcha. (In fact, why didn't "You betcha" get banned, too?) Here are some select comments from the announcement at http://www.lssu.edu/banished/current.php.
Front Page Talking Points is written by Felix Grabowski and Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2009
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Front Page Archive 'Maverick', 'Green' and 'Bailout' top the list of words banished for overuse in 2008 Look ahead to headline topics for 2009 Have yourself a thrifty little Christmas -- with priceless memories Economic recession becomes official -- if any doubt existed Troubled U.S. car companies ask for federal help More fear than cheer for retailers this holiday season 'Mom-in-Chief' Michelle Obama brings fresh approach to new era at White House More than presidency will change with young family in White House Election '08: Voters write historic chapter by electing African American president Americans prepare for election sure to be historic Good grade rewards from schools: Bonus or bribe? Wall Street roller coaster keeps U.S. on scary ride iReport reminds us: Don't believe everything you read online Blog boom enlivens media landscape Tragic lesson: ppl shudnt txt n drive New super collider has huge WOW factor - and a 'Big Bang' Teen pregnancy issue hits home for national candidate Live from St. Paul: Meet the Republican ticket Partying and politics: Democrats nominate Obama for president Need vs. want: First test of school year is what to buy |
Which popular phrases are already headed for overuse this year? Can you find examples from the newspaper?
Reading critically is a skill you need to hone. Watch for tired and thoughtless wording in columns, blogs and even news stories. Quotes from players and managers in Sports sections are particularly prone to clichés. "We have to play our own game." "He always gives 110 percent." Make a list and indicate how you would reword to avoid the clichés.
MAVERICK: "The constant repetition of this word for months before the US election diluted whatever meaning it previously had. Even the comic offshoot 'mavericky' was terribly overused. A minimum five-year banishment of both words is suggested so they will not be available during the next federal election." Matthew Mattila, Green Bay, Wisc.
