Did you say “fiscal cliff” ? Word lovers want it banned - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Did you say “fiscal cliff” ? Word lovers want it banned

Reuters | By, New York
Jan 01, 2013 09:56 PM IST

Whether or not the US Congress manages to avoid the “fiscal cliff,” the much-used phrase tops the list of words language aficionados want banned from everyday speech, according to a Michigan university’s yearly roundup released on Monday.

Whether or not the US Congress manages to avoid the “fiscal cliff,” the much-used phrase tops the list of words language aficionados want banned from everyday speech, according to a Michigan university’s yearly roundup released on Monday.

HT Image
HT Image

Also making the cut for Lake Superior State University’s annual list of overused, misused and generally useless terms were “kick the can down the road,” “bucket list” and, it may come as no surprise, “spoiler alert.”

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Then there is “YOLO.”

“Stands for ‘You Only Live Once’ and used by wannabe Twitter philosophers who think they’ve uncovered a deep secret of life,” said Brendan Cotter, of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, in nominating the phrase for retirement.

“I only live once, so I’d prefer to be able to do it without ever seeing YOLO again,” Cotter said.

The small, public university has published its annual “List of Words to be Banished from the Queen’s English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness” since New Year’s Day in 1976. It is culled mostly from nominations by English-language enthusiasts through the school’s website.

But don’t call them “gurus” - the term is among the dozen words and phrases on this year’s list they want eliminated from the news, advertising, politics and general usage.

Fiscal cliff - a short-hand reference to the mix of $600 billion in tax increases and federal government spending cuts due to begin taking effect in January - received the most nominations in 2012, the school said.

“You can’t turn on the news without hearing this,” said Christopher Loiselle of Midland, Michigan, in his submission. “I’m equally worried about the River of Debt and Mountain of Despair.”

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away!- Login Now!
Stay informed on Business News along with Gold Rates Today, India News and other related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On