Wordsmiths want 'green', 'bailout', 'iconic' banned in 2009!

London, January 3 (ANI): Words such as "green", "bailout", "iconic" and "desperate search" should no longer be put to use since their original meaning has been displaced or simply because they have become useless, says a team of academics.

The 34th annual list, produced by Lake Superior State University in Michigan, USA, suggested words which had been put to exhaustion with their inclusion in almost every aspect.

For example, Iconic was now "overused to the point where everything from a fast-food restaurant chain to celebrities is 'iconic'", reports the Telegraph.

The list, amassed by scholars with contributions from the public, further included less known words such as "First Dude" - the nickname for the husband of vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin and the image 3, to represent a heart, replacing the traditional "I love you".

List of Words to Be Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness also includes:

Green - The ubiquitous "green" and all of its variables, such as "going green", "building green", "greening", "green technology", "green solutions" and more, drew the most attention from those who sent in nominations this year.

First Dude - "Skateboard English is not an appropriate way to refer to the spouse of a high-ranking public official." Paul Ruschmann, Canton, Michigan.

Bailout - "Use of emergency funds to remove toxic assets from banks' balance sheets is not a bailout. When your cousin calls you from jail in the middle of the night, he wants a bailout." Ben Green, State College, Pennsylvania.

Desperate search - "Every time the news can't find something intelligent to report, they start on a 'desperate search' for someone, somewhere." Rick A. Hyatt, Saratoga, Wyoming.

It's that time of year again - "When is it not 'that time of year again'? From Valentine's sales to year-end charity letters, invitations to summer picnics and Christmas parties, it's 'that time' of year again. Just get to the point of the solicitation, invitation, and newsletter and cut out six useless and annoying words." Kathleen Brosemer of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. (ANI)