2025 is officially here, and with the new year comes Lake Superior State University's annual "Banned Words List." The list features words and phrases that people hate and think others overuse in daily dialogue.
The list began back in 1976 as a marketing tactic for the school, and quickly became a beloved tradition that garners worldwide submissions. It's one that even LSSU President David Travis doesn't know the full workings of.
"It's very much shrouded in secrecy and I kind of like it," said Travis. "I'm the president of the university and I don't even know exactly how they come up with the list. I submitted my own suggestions and none of them were chosen. So even the president doesn't have a say in the final list."
The 2025 list includes:
- Cringe
- Game Changer
- Era
- Dropped
- IYKYK (If You Know, You Know)
- Sorry Not Sorry
- Skibidi
- 100%
- Utilize
- Period
When asked what his favorite word from the list was, Travis said "cringe."
"I'm used to hearing the word now, but it's such an improper use of the way the word was originally intended, which was a physical action of the human body," Travis explained. "I would say to me that's the one that stands out that I'd be happy to see go."
According to Travis, the tongue-in-cheek list has become a sign of today's world, but people should look upon some of the words and how they're being used.
The suggestion box for 2026's list is already open, accepting submissions until the end of October for the list's 50th year.
