All the Words That Disappeared in 2023

Not all phrases will make their way into the new year unscathed.

Lake Superior State University releases its list of Banished Words every year on New Year's Eve, and Americans should consider saying goodbye to some popular colloquialisms that have faded out of style.

The first Banished Words list was released by LSSU in 1976 and now works as a way to analyze the most popular and outdated lingo of the times.

"Since that time, it has become a popular tradition to look back at the words that have exhausted us throughout the year by their misuse or overuse," Lake Superior State University's Interim President, Dr. Lynn Gillette told Newsweek.

"While the list is an irreverent tongue-in-cheek survey of our everyday vocabulary, reading the archived Banished Words lists can provide a whimsical glimpse of years past."

Today, the list is supposed to highlight words that are consistently misused, overused or lost their meaning over the past year.

"Language is a dynamic, ever-evolving entity. The banished words list recognizes the rapid changes in expression, encouraging a reassessment of the impact and relevance of our vocabulary," the university said in a statement.

Over the course of a year, many words and common phrases soon become null due to changing experiences and communication styles.

While LSSU received more than 2,000 nominations from around the world, only 10 phrases made the final list.

Banished Words of 2023

1. "Hack"

While hack is now a popular buzzword (think "life hack"), LSSU said its "widespread adoption in multiple contexts, extending beyond its initial technological context, has the potential to lessen its inherent significance."

"Using it everywhere, even beyond its tech roots, could make it lose its magic," the college said.

2. "Impact"

Impact is certainly a word that rears its head in company memos and college admission essays alike. But according to LSSU, it's becoming increasingly null and void in 2024.

"Especially as a verb, why use this word when we have a perfectly good word that makes more sense: 'affect?'" LSSU said in its release. "Overusing it not only takes away its pizzazz but also robs other words of their spotlight."

3. "At the end of the day"

While this phrase is an easy way to emphasize a point, it actually lacks much meaning at all, according to the authors of LSSU's list.

LSSU previously "banished" the word, but it's not yet disappearing in Americans' common vernacular.

"Many comments note that it is overused and meaningless, often employed as a rhetorical device that attempts to encapsulate the complexities of a situation summarily, lacking nuance and depth," LSSU said.

4. "Rizz"

Not everyone may be aware of what "rizz" is even means, but according to LSSU, it's time for it to go.

The shortened version of "charisma" is often used by people to describe a particularly socially or fashionably adept person on social media, but LSSU said the "ubiquity of this term prompts contemplation on whether it retains its relevance."

"With language doing the cha-cha of change, we're wondering if this word still rocks the charisma scene or if it's time for a language remix," the university added.

5. "Slay"

While this common Gen Z verbiage might have first gained appropriate prominence, LSSU said it's now infiltrating situations where it no longer aligns with its intended significance.

"Now, it's sprinkled everywhere—from wearing a stylish outfit to tackling the art of parallel parking," LSSU said on its list.

6. "Iconic"

Not everyone can be an icon, according to LSSU's Banished Words List this year.

"Iconic" originally appeared on the list in 2009, and now once again, LSSU is making it a point to say it loses its meaning in several contexts.

"Despite its initial recognition as a word worthy of distinction, its repeated application in contexts that don't merit such acclaim challenges its genuine iconic status. It's like that one-hit wonder playing on loop," authors of the list wrote.

7. "Cringe-worthy"

Much like "iconic," this word comes up in several situations. But what is truly worthy of the denotation "cringe-worthy"? Not as many things as people say, LSSU said.

"As we usher in the new year, it's time to decide if this linguistic drama deserves an encore or if we should bid 'cringe-worthy' adieu to make room for fresh, less cringe-inducing expressions in 2024," LSSU said.

8. "Obsessed"

Are Americans obsessed with using the word 'obsessed?' According to LSSU, they very well might be.

The university said this word is consistently used for things that aren't truly being obsessed over. Because it's become so casual, the word easily loses its meaning and makes a compelling case on the LSSU Banished Words list.

"Should one be obsessed with a new kitchen gadget or a new shade of paint? This year's contributors think not," the authors wrote.

9. "Side Hustle"

Nearly everyone engaging in "hustle culture" likes to boast about their current side hustle that's helping them gain economic independence outside of the confines of a traditional 9 to 5.

But should the phrase be put to rest? LSSU believes so.

"It may be worth reflecting on whether its prevalence inadvertently downplays the genuine reality of the situation," the list said. "While 'side-hustle' adds flair to our language, our contributors feel that the only hustle is the one needed to get to their second job."

10. "Wait For It"

In the last addition to the list, LSSU chose "Wait for it."

The concerns over this overused phrase is that it might just be stating the obvious.

"If we're watching the video, then we're already waiting for it, right?" LSSU said.