‘Unprecedented’: Michigan university releases annual list of banned words, phrases for 2021
Associated Press
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In this Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, photo the word pandemic is displayed in a dictionary in Washington. Merriam-Webster on Monday announced pandemic as its 2020 word of the year. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Even as vaccines are being rolled out to battle the coronavirus, wordsmiths at Lake Superior State University in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula say they want to kick any trace of it from the English language.
“COVID-19” and “social distancing” are thrown in with “we’re all in this together, “in an abundance of caution” and “in these uncertain times” on the school’s light-hearted list of banned words and phrases for 2021.
Dec 31, 2020
MARQUETTE After organizers received over 500 votes, the five finalists for U.P. Poet Laureate for 2021-22 represent writing from Marquette, Alger, Houghton and Chippewa counties.
They are April Lindala of Marquette, Beverly Matherne of Ishpeming-Marquette, M. Bartley Seigel of Houghton, Rosalie Sanara Petrouske of Marquette-Munising and Tyler Dettloff of Marquette-Bay Mills-Sault Ste. Marie.
“Something that really excites me is that all five of the finalists are strong performers on stage, so that any upcoming readings featuring these poets, whether in person or online, will be sure to be a powerful experience for the audience,” U.P. Poet Laureate organizer Ron Riekki said in an email. “I hope whoever is selected for the U.P. Poet Laureate position links up with these other finalists for future events.
Banished words of 2020 include ‘COVID-19,’ ‘Karen’
Updated Dec 31, 2020;
As you say goodbye to 2020, think about bidding farewell to these 10 banished words and phrases as well.
Naturally, COVID-19 terminology tops the list of words to leave behind as we enter the new year. “Karen,” “I know, right?” and “sus” also made the list of overused, misused and useless words compiled by Lake Superior State University.
LSSU heard from people all over the U.S. and the world – and it seems everyone is sick of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated words and phrases, according to a news release. COVID-19 terminology monopolized submissions for the annual Banished Words List with more than 250 of the 1,450-plus nominations for banishment being related to the virus. Seven of the 10 banished words relate to the pandemic. Ranked No. 1 to get rid of is what started it all: “COVID-19.”
Associated Press
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. Even as vaccines are being rolled out to battle the coronavirus, wordsmiths at Lake Superior State University in Michigan s Upper Peninsula say they want to kick any trace of it from the English language. COVID-19 and social distancing are thrown in with we re all in this together, in an abundance of caution and in these uncertain times on the school s light-hearted list of banned words and phrases for 2021.
Out of more than 1,450 nominations sent to the school, about 250 words and terms suggested for banishment due to overuse, misuse or uselessness had something to do with the virus.