Paralegals Note: LSSU Releases 2009 List Of Banished Words

Paralegals take notice: ‘It’s that time of year again!’

Word-watchers at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan have released their 34th annual List of Words to Be Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness. I look forward this announcement every year mostly to see if words and phrases I am totally tired of make the list.

Turns out there are quite a few…including the one I am most done with: GREEN.

The list begins with the phrase ‘It’s that time of year again!’ Kathleen Brosemer of St. Ste. Marie, Ontario nominated this phrase for its meaninglessness. As she says, “When is it not ‘that time of year again?’ From Valentine’s sales to year-end charity letters, invitations to summer picnics and Christmas parties, it’s ‘that time’ of year again. Just get to the point of the solicitation, invitation, and newsletter and cut out six useless and annoying words.”

Here are a few more:

  • Carbon Footprint or Carbon Offsetting
  • Maverick
  • First Dude
  • Bailout
  • Wall Street to Main Street
  • Staycation

One word that is not mentioned and should be is CHANGE. I’ve heard enough of that one to last through the adulthood of my youngest grandchild.

As Paralegals complete their writing assignments, they may want to refrain from using the these tired words and phrases. For the complete list and reasoning behind this year’s list, go to http://www.lssu.edu/banished/current.php

And I’m wondering: what words do you think are most overused?

Vicki

© 2009 Vicki Voisin, Inc.

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Vicki Voisin, ‘The Paralegal Mentor,’ delivers simple strategies for paralegals and other professionals to create career success and satisfaction by achieving goals and determing the direction their career paths will take. Vicki spotlights resources, organizational tips, ethics issues, and other areas of continuing education to help paralegals and others reach their full potential. Vicki publishes the bi-weekly ezine ‘Strategies for Paralegals Seeking Excellence.’ Get tips and information at no cost at paralegalmentor.com.