Lake Superior State University bans popular Gen Z slang words for 2025, sparking debate.
The list has been around since 1976, and it highlights words that are overused or just plain annoying. People from all over the world sent in their nominations, which shows that we all feel the same way about certain phrases.
The university’s president, Dr. David Travis, said words really do matter. He believes it’s important to decide what stays in our language and what needs to go. The 2026 list will be their 50th edition, and anyone can suggest a word to banish. Just make sure to submit it by November 1, 2025.
So, what words made the cut for 2025? “Cringe” is at the top of the list. The university says it’s overstayed its welcome and has lost its meaning. People are tired of hearing it, and it’s become a bit ironic.
Next up is “game changer.” Apparently, everything is a game changer these days, and that makes it lose its punch. Then there’s “era,” which they say is overused unless you’re Taylor Swift.
Other words like “dropped,” “IYKYK,” and “sorry not sorry” also made the list. Even “skibidi,” which is a slang term from a meme, is getting the boot because it’s just noise to many people.
The university is also banning “100%” for being overused and “utilize” because it’s just a fancy way of saying “use.” Lastly, they’re saying goodbye to “period” as a verbal punctuation mark.
It’s a wild list, and it’s got people talking. What do you think? Are these words really that annoying?
