University's List of Banished Words Includes "Fail"
In an attempt to stop the "Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness" of certain words, Lake Superior State University publishes an annual List of Banished Words. Topping this year's list are "viral," "epic," "fail" (sorry, only as a noun), "wow factor," "a-ha moment" (perhaps in honor of Oprah's retirement), "back story," "BFF," and "man up."
Discussion Starters
- How do you feel about these words? Should they be "banished" (or curtailed), or are they harmless?
- Which of these words are you surprised to see? Which are not surprising?
Assignment Ideas
- Identify which of these words would be problematic in business communication. Use the barriers to communication described in Chapter 1 to explain your answer.
- In small groups, brainstorm a list of additional words that might make your own "banished" list. Which annoy you the most and why?