Resolution for 2009: Shun these banished words

Have you ever been outed as a big-L LOSER because you just used a catch phrase that was popular, oh, seven minutes ago, but now is as passe as a Sarah Palin joke? The offending words hang in the air like a bad smell. Your cheeks and ears burn, and you wonder whether to pretend nothing's happened or sprint for the nearest exit.

I exaggerate the horror of being out of the loop, of course, but just to be safe from social embarrassment, take note of the following words -- and even an emoticon -- that have been officially banished from cooldom. Shun them, and you may avoid being behind the curve. Or is "behind the curve" one of the banished terms, too?

"Green," "Maverick" make list of "Banished Words" for 2009
Wired - 12/31/08 - by John Scott Lewinski

EXCERPT:

Back in November, researchers at the University of Oxford fired the first shot against tired language with the release of a well-debated list -- The Top 10 Most Annoying Phrases.

Now, Lake Superior State (in chilly Saulte Ste. Marie, Michigan -- pronounced "Soo Saint") is continuing the allied assault with its 2009 List of Banished Words.

[Read more.]