My banished words submissions for 2011

For the past few years I have been submitting words for inclusion in Lake Superior State University's List of Words Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness.

This year my submissions (followed by reasons for banishment) are:

• Absolutely free – As opposed to ‘somewhat free?’
• Free Gift – Thank God for free gifts! I was getting sick of paying up to $10 for a gift.
• Jeggings – Why not just say ‘jean leggings?’ Or better yet, why not just get rid of ‘leggings’ and say ‘pants?’
• Totally unique – As opposed to ‘somewhat unique?’
• Screwed – Used to mean that something has been fastened into something else. Now it usually refers to being in a precarious position – and something more risqué.
• Shared sacrifice – Usually used by a politician who wants other people to share in the sacrifice so he/she doesn’t have to.
• We have a lot of work to do – If there’s a lot to be done, then do it!
• We need all the help we can get – Then get the help you need!
• We have our work cut out for us – It actually sounds nice – “Hey, someone cut out our work for us so we don’t have to!” But it usually means a lot needs to be done.