Web site lists words banished from Queen’s English

No book, periodical or wood-pulp-based dictionary can expect to keep up with the flurry of newly minted terms that surface in the zeitgeist or blogosphere daily. The only hope you have is to head to the Web, where scores of sites monitor our ever-changing language.

But only one site, from the folks at Lake Superior State University in Michigan, offers up an annual “List of Words Banished From the Queen’s English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness” ( www.lssu.edu/banished).

The list marks its 30th anniversary this year by unveiling 22 pooped-out buzzwords from the realms of politics, advertising and technology. Included are “blog” (an online journal or diary) and “webinar” (a seminar on the Web).

In the aftermath of a bitterly contested presidential election, “blue states/red states” made the list, as did the phrase from the realm of presidential politics that got the most nominations — “and I approve this message.” Pop culture was no slouch in spawning hot phrases that the list would like to cool off: The Donald’s “You’re fired,” hip-hop’s “izzle-speak” and last year’s Super Bowl “wardrobe malfunction” are among the dubious honorees.

Started by Lake Superior State’s public relations director to get attention for the university, the list this year also includes “body wash.” The comment accompanying that entry reads, “also known as soap.”