School lists words to be 'banished'

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- A Michigan university has released its 34th annual list of words and phrases ripe for banishment from the English language, including "green" and "maverick."

Lake Superior State University in the city of Sault Ste. Marie said its 34th annual "List of Words to Be Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness" was based on nominations from the public.

"Green" -- including variations "going green," "building green," "greening," "green technology" and others -- received the most nominations this year, the school said.

Two additional environmentally themed entries, "carbon footprint" and "carbon offsetting," also made the list.

The list included other words bandied about by politicians during 2008, including "maverick," "bailout" and "game changer."

Nominators also lamented the use of "staycation" to mean a vacation that does not involve traveling far from home.

"Occurrences of this word are going up with gas prices. 'Vacation' does not mean 'travel,' nor does travel always involve vacation. Let's send this word on a slow boat to nowhere," said Dan Muldoon of Omaha.