Top 3 Words That Should Be Banished From The English Language – Or, At The Very Least, Used Correctly

Lake Superior State University has come out with their 39th annual list of words that should be banished from the English language. They took nominations on their website and came up with a list that included 'twerking', and 'selfie'. While I agree with the list, there are a few words that I would like to ban, but not because they bug me, but because no one uses them correctly.

I've noticed some words that hang their heads in shame because of the way people use them in Facebook postings and in regular conversation. I don't want those words banished, I just want them to be used correctly. In no particular order, here is my list of words I wish would be used properly in the coming year:

1. Concerning - Oh Lord, we come to you today to ask that you inform our local reporters, that the word "concerning" does not mean "worrisome", it means "regarding" or "in relation to". Lord, please let them know that the phrase they should use is "of concern", as in, "The level of improperly used words in the local media is of concern to those of us who hear nails on chalkboards when a reporter uses 'concerning' incorrectly in a sentence". Thank you, Lord. Amen.

2. Cuteeeeee, niceeeee, etc. - Remember Rudolph's reaction when Clarice told him he was cute? He said, "She thinks I'm cuuuuuute!" Not, "She thinks I'm cuteeeeeeee!" When I see that, I think you're saying something is 'cutie', not 'cuuuuute'.

3. Yea, Yeah, and Yay - They all mean, roughly, the same thing, but make you think different things in your head. 'Yea' is what you would say if you were going to vote in the affirmative in Congress. 'Yeah' is what you say when someone asks the question, "Would you be interested in going to drink some adult beverages, dance the night away, and end up driving through Whataburger at 3 a.m.?" 'Yay' is what that someone says when you say, "Yeah, I would love to to drink some adult beverages, dance the night away, and end up driving through Whataburger at 3 a.m.!"

That exhausts my list of words that I hope are used properly in the coming year.

Aren't you glad you're not my kid and have to hear this kind of thing on a daily basis?