Word Ban…
If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?
WordPress/Jetpack, is now coming up with these little prompts to get users to open conversations and write about things to provoke response amongst readers. I have been avoiding jumping on this prompt pushing, as I am more of a free flowing, talk about what speaks to me, topic writer. I read another writer’s post on this, thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and so I figured I would tell you the word I think should be banned. Oh, the other writer suggested we ban the word “racist”, I concur as it is being very misused these days.
I used to really dislike the word paradigm, as it was such a buzz, trendy word that everyone used to make themselves seem way more intelligent when needing to say problem, issue, situation, etc.. The people using this word had no other big words in their vocabulary, but yet I was supposed to believe that paradigm was now a representation of their bland palette parading as more upscale or sophisticated. The funny thing is, it should have been a gateway word leading to just that, a more sophisticated, expanded word base. These are the same people though that overused the word “absolutely”, and very closely to the same time frame as their “paradigm” usage. What an intelligent, proactively worded time that was, not. Now, this is not me being judgmental, but more so saying to not expose yourself as a fraud, untrustworthy, or reaching. If you don’t use bigger words typically, don’t start using trendy bigger words to put on a facade, people will see through this and it will cut your credibility.
I would however make a suggestion, if you want to enhance your vocabulary. Start with synonyms and antonyms of words you feel you commonly overuse, try on some of those first. See which feels best to you, and which you might bust unexpectedly in conversation. Look up a new word, or be prompted by an app to start using one new word a week. Don’t do one a day, that is overkill, and can become overwhelming, thus deterring you from expansion. The goal is to beef up your vocabulary, not sound like a pretentious twit.
While I told you what word I used to want to ban, and I mentioned reading the post about banning “racist”, I don’t think we should currently ban any words at all. I think in both cases, people allow/allowed themselves to be influenced by what narrative is being pushed at the time. I had a client once tell me that the English language was being dumbed down to a point of simpleton, and at the time, I laughed, now I agree. I challenge you to expand your vocabulary for your own purposes, while remaining true to the way you speak and interact with others. I challenge you to stay clear of words that are trendy and buzz worthy, in society or your work capacity. I also challenge you to do a spelling test of words we all struggle with, think receive, weird, connoisseur, etc..
Tell me, is there a word you would ban? Why? I would love to know, but keep in mind, I am still on a social media hiatus, and won’t see your comment.
The Photographist Life 