Word Wise: The Wednesday Word Wise Roundup

January 02, 2008

The Wednesday Word Wise Roundup

Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, released its 33^rd annual list of “Words Banished from the Queen's English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness,” Dec. 31, which it culled from more than 2,000 nominations. What’s great about the list is that included with each banned word or phrase is commentary and explanation (so skip the AP article and read the actual list here). Among others on the list are “Webinar,” “sweet,” and “back in the day” – this last is especially disappointing to me since I’m finally old enough to use that phrase and really mean it. You can also check out all 33 years' worth of lists here (in 1976 it banished "macho," also disappointing to me somehow).

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Why "Word Wise"?

When I started to send out a weekly writing tip to my Chicago colleagues at Edelman (the world's largest privately owned PR firm), little did I know how quickly the list of those receiving it would grow. But word spread, as word is wont to do, and for the past three years about 1,500 of my 2,400 colleagues worldwide have been receiving it. The tips, which are about grammar, usage and style, have a dual purpose – to remind my colleagues in public relations of the power of the written word (I’m lucky to work for a company that not only prizes, but expects, expert communications skills), and, more generally, to support and perpetuate clear, concise, creative, honest, lively, stylish, compelling writing everywhere. With “Word Wise,” I hope you’ll challenge me, challenge other readers, make suggestions, argue minutiae, add commentary, exchange ideas, and help all of us become the best writers we can be.