Revealed: The slang words experts are calling to be BANISHED in 2026

From ‘vibe–coding’ to ‘clanker’, several slang words and phrases rose to prominence in 2025. 

But with the new year now well and truly here, experts have had enough – and are calling for 10 terms to be banished entirely. 

Experts from Lake Superior State University have released their 50th Banished Words List. 

‘For half a century, the Banished Words List has served as a reminder that language is always evolving,’ they said.  

Topping the list is ‘6,7’ – a phrase that is particularly popular with Gen Alpha, and originates from a song called ‘Doot Doot (6,7)’ by American rapper Skrilla.

‘Demure’ is next, having gained popularity in the ‘very demure, very mindful’ TikTok trend in 2024. 

It’s also time to wave goodbye to ‘cooked’, ‘my bad’ and ‘reach out’, according to the experts. 

‘The entries continue a tongue–in–cheek commentary on language, catchphrases, and corporate jargon,’ they explained. 

The Banished Words List has been created by Lake Superior State University (LSSU) every year since 1976. 

‘What began as a whimsical New Year’s Eve party idea in 1976, has grown into a global reflection on the words that wear out their welcome,’ the team explained.

‘Since former public relations director W.T. (Bill) Rabe showcased the first “List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English because of mis–, mal–, over–use, or general uselessness,” LSSU has carried the torch.’

This year, the university received over 1,400 submissions from around the world, which it whittled down to just 10. 

Teachers will be relieved to hear that ‘6,7’ is the top banishment this year.

It simply means ‘nothing’, yet quickly gained traction online with thousands of people making videos using a clip from Skrilla’s song.

Since then, the expression has dominated classrooms, so much so that some teachers have actually had to ‘ban’ the phrase.

‘Demure’ is next on the list, having surged in popularity in a 2024 trend sparked by a viral TikTok video by American content creator Jools Lebron (@joolieannie). 

In the clip, the self–described ‘fierce diva’ encouraged women to dress in a way that was ‘demure and mindful’.

Gen Z ran with the idea, and began describing almost anything as ‘demure and mindful’ – including ‘bed rotting’ (where individuals spend a long period of time in bed scrolling on their phones), eating chocolate cake, and going for a walk. 

‘Cooked’ – slang to describe someone or something as being in a state of possibly irreversible misfortune and hardship – is third on the list, followed by ‘massive’, ‘incentivize’, and ‘full stop’. 

One of the more surprising terms on the list is ‘perfect’, which received several submissions. 

‘There are very few instances when the word actually applies,’ one submitter vented, while another added: ‘How do they know it’s perfect…what does that mean?’

Eighth on the list is ‘gifted’, while ‘my bad’ – a casual phrase used to admit fault – is ninth. 

Finally, ‘reach out’ rounds out the top 10, although this isn’t the first time it’s been on the Banished Words List. 

The LSSU team said: ‘First banished in 1994, this saying has strayed from the positive message it once intended to deliver.’ 

If you think there’s a word or phrase missing from the list, you’ll be happy to hear that submissions for the 2027 list are now open. 

‘What do you want our judges to consider for banishment for 2027?’ LSSU asked. 

‘The deadline to turn in your entry is 8 AM Eastern Standard Time on Nov. 1, 2026.’