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"Quid pro quo" tops banished words list from Lake Superior State University

Posted at 4:49 PM, Jan 01, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-01 18:49:34-05

As people around the country and world celebrate the start of 2020, Lake Superior State University is continuing its tradition of trying to ban words from the English language.

Each year, the school in Northern Michigan releases a list of words that should stop being used, with the public submitting nominations.

Topping the list heading into 2020 is Quid pro quo, which got some new life during the impeachment inquiry surrounding President Trump.

Also making the list: Curated, Artisinal and Influencer, all of which were labeled as words that attempt to make something more than it is.

Literally, Totes, 'Living my Best Life' and 'I Mean' were also suggested to be banned due to pretentiousness or imprecision.

Another suggested phrase which got a lot of use towards the end of 2019: "Ok, Boomer" as a way that milennials respond to the older generation.

The school has been releasing the list for 45 years now. If you'd like to see the rest of the 2020 words, click here.

This article was written by Kayla Penokie for WXMI .