Hey there, lovely readers! It’s me, Tina, back with another delightful ramble about the quirks of life, words, and all the hilarity that comes with it. Today, we’re embarking on a whimsical thought experiment: what if we had the power to permanently ban nine words from general usage? Now, I know what you’re probably thinking—how on earth could I narrow it down to just nine? Well, grab your favorite cozy blanket and a cup of coffee, because we’re about to dive into this wild ride filled with laughter, some eye-rolling, and perhaps a few “Oh my gosh, I totally agree!” moments. 

Let’s start by acknowledging why words matter so much. They are, after all, the building blocks of communication—the LEGO bricks of our conversations. Some are colorful and fun, while others can be incredibly annoying, like that one person who insists on using a word that makes you want to pull your hair out. Take “moist,” for example—the Voldemort of vocabulary, the word that sends shivers down spines and makes an entire generation shudder. It’s the verbal equivalent of nails on a chalkboard, and if I could, I’d send it packing to a deserted island where it can live out its days in isolation. Then there’s “irregardless,” the grammatical faux pas that makes language enthusiasts cringe. It’s like that one party guest who wasn’t invited but shows up anyway; redundant and unnecessary, let’s just stick with “regardless” and leave “irregardless” to gather dust in the annals of linguistic mistakes. 

Now, let’s move on to “literally,” a word that has overstayed its welcome. It has noble beginnings but is now flung around like confetti at a parade. “I literally died laughing,” someone might say, and I can’t help but wonder, if they truly did die, how are they tweeting about it? Let’s save “literally” for moments when it truly applies, like when you find a $20 bill in your coat pocket. And don’t even get me started on “like,” that verbal filler that sneaks into sentences like an uninvited guest. “I was, like, totally going to the store,” someone says, and I just want to shake them and suggest they try crafting a coherent thought without it. 

Then we have “whatever,” the ultimate conversation stopper. It’s dismissive and noncommittal, the go-to word for teenagers everywhere who are just too cool to engage. Let’s replace “whatever” with more engaging dialogue, like, “Tell me more about your perspective.” And speaking of words that need to go, “YOLO” was fun for a hot minute, but it’s time to retire this impulsive battle cry. It’s the linguistic equivalent of jumping off a cliff without checking if there’s water below. Instead, let’s adopt something more thoughtful, like “Carpe Diem,” which at least sounds like we put some effort into our rash decisions. 

As we continue down this path of banishment, let’s talk about “epic.” This word used to mean something truly monumental but has been stretched to its limits, much like my waistband after an “epic” holiday dinner. Everything can’t be epic—from sandwiches to movies! Can we save it for occasions that truly deserve it? And finally, let’s address “bae,” a term of endearment that sounds more like a sheep’s bleat than a heartfelt expression of love. Let’s bring back “darling,” “sweetheart,” or even “pumpkin”—anything that doesn’t conjure images of farm animals. 

So, there you have it—my list of nine words I think we could all live without. Of course, language is a living, evolving thing, and words will always come and go, but sometimes, we just need to let a few go. Next time you’re in conversation, think about your word choices. Together, let’s create a world where language is a bit more colorful and a lot less cringeworthy. Thanks for tuning into my musings! Until next time, keep laughing, keep chatting, and let’s keep our vocabulary alive and well—minus those nine offenders! Cheers! XOXO, Tina