Aussie slang among one of the world’s ‘Banished Words’ of 2021 — here are some of the phrases that made it at the top of the list
​

Aussies are famous for their unmistakable twist on the English language and creative slang. It seems that we have another way of saying almost anything.

Petrol station becomes servo, the sandwich becomes sanga, afternoon becomes arvo, the list is endless.

Aussie slang may not be in the dictionary, but it's certainly something that has become part of the everyday vocabulary of most Australians. Credit: Getty Images.​

However, on the other side of the pond, Lake Superior State University in the USA conducts an annual survey of terms that they deem to be overused yet useless.

The school has notably conducted the survey since 1976 and has been publishing the results at the end of each year.

The survey, which amassed responses from English speakers around the globe, including Australia, Canada, Norway, Belgium, England, and Scotland, revealed that the phrases that dominated this year's list are more conversational compared to last year's list which was dominated by phrases related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LSSU Executive Director for Marketing and Communications Peter Szatmary said that the results may be a reflection of how Western society has adapted to the ongoing pandemic.

LSSU President Rodney S. Hanley in a statement: "Say what you mean and mean what you say. Can't get any easier, or harder, than that."

"Every year submitters play hard at suggesting what words and terms to banish by paying close attention to what humanity utters and writes. Taking a deep dive at the end of the day and then circling back make perfect sense. Wait, what?"

If you're curious which phrases made it at the top of the list, here are the top 10 phrases that need to be banished.

“Wait, what?”, “supply chain”, and “no worries” are some of the phrases that made it to the list of Banished Words of 2021. Credit: Getty Images.​

1. 'Wait, what?'

The phrase is used to convey surprise or uncertainty. The survey suggests that some found this phrase to be "inexact", with one person complaining "I don't want to wait" whenever they hear this phrase.

2. 'No worries'

This classic Aussie slang is a substitute for "you're welcome" or "sure thing". But did you know that a number of English speakers nominated the phrase for its ubiquity?

The school noted that this phrase is "truly meaningless".

Check out some of the classic Aussie slangs in this video:

Credit: mmmEnglish​

3. 'At the end of the day'

The phrase first appeared on the Banished Words list way back in 1999. However ‘at the end of the day’ nothing seems to have changed.

4. 'That being said'

Nominators argued that this phrase is a redundant verbal filler.

One person said: “Go ahead and say what you want already!"

5. 'Asking for a friend'

This phrase has been used as a joke on social media, mainly by users who don't want to admit that they are asking the questions for themselves.

Although the phrase is meant to be humorous, some nominators said that the phrase is overused.

6. 'Circle back'

The school said: "It's a conversation, not the Winter Olympics."

7. 'Deep dive'

A number of people pointed out that diving is for bodies of water and not subjects or materials. Hence, the reason why they think this phrase is useless.

A person asked: "Do we need 'deep'? I mean, does anyone dive into the shallow end?"

8. 'New normal'

This phrase emerged to describe the societal changes that we're going through as we try to cope with the impacts of COVID-19. But, did you know that the phrase was actually banished back in 2012?

The nominators argue that the pandemic isn't "new" anymore so there's no reason for this phrase to still exist.

9. 'You're on mute'

As we shift from physical meetings to virtual conferences, this phrase has been used numerous times since the start of the pandemic.

10. 'Supply chain'

We are guilty of this. We used this term a lot last December, as the pandemic made supply issues over Christmas a bit of a hot topic.

The nominators pointed out that the phrase has been used as a scapegoat for any kind of shortage. Meanwhile, others argued that the term has been used as a buzzword.

Do you think that banishing common terms such as ‘no worries’ is important? We would love to hear your thoughts. ‘At the end of the day’, if you're getting the message across kindly and clearly, it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Ian Crane-Luff]

What in hell would the Americans know about the English language, they think they speak it but don't nor can they spell English words

 

[Hel]

If they are so Superior then why can’t they spell correctly? Color, humor, analize etc. Priorities first!

The version of English that spells words without the u, was what existed in the 1600's - so far from being 'new' they're speaking an old version. The French had an influence on English after the puritans left so they are stuck in the past. Our version is later - and more up to date. I guess it's the same as their 'very futuristic' movie industry that produces porn but blurs nipples on ordinary tv and movies. Yanks are generally confused. They eat carmel for gods sake and every Aussie knows she's a GIRL! They're so backward it's pathetic and they force their crap onto the whole world. Bugger yanks! They should keep their opinions to themselves and clean up their own backyards before they start on anyone else.

 

[Big Al]

Pretending to be offended – particularly on behalf of someone else considered to be unable to be offended on their own, garners more kudos than most actual good deeds.

 

[Hieme]

These people need to go and justify their existence somewhere else!

 

[JayKay]

Zed is not Zee

 

[Faye D]

Aussie slang among one of the world’s ‘Banished Words’ of 2021 — here are some of the phrases that made it at the top of the list
​

Aussies are famous for their unmistakable twist on the English language and creative slang. It seems that we have another way of saying almost anything.

Petrol station becomes servo, the sandwich becomes sanga, afternoon becomes arvo, the list is endless.

Aussie slang may not be in the dictionary, but it's certainly something that has become part of the everyday vocabulary of most Australians. Credit: Getty Images.​

However, on the other side of the pond, Lake Superior State University in the USA conducts an annual survey of terms that they deem to be overused yet useless.

The school has notably conducted the survey since 1976 and has been publishing the results at the end of each year.

The survey, which amassed responses from English speakers around the globe, including Australia, Canada, Norway, Belgium, England, and Scotland, revealed that the phrases that dominated this year's list are more conversational compared to last year's list which was dominated by phrases related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LSSU Executive Director for Marketing and Communications Peter Szatmary said that the results may be a reflection of how Western society has adapted to the ongoing pandemic.

LSSU President Rodney S. Hanley in a statement: "Say what you mean and mean what you say. Can't get any easier, or harder, than that."

"Every year submitters play hard at suggesting what words and terms to banish by paying close attention to what humanity utters and writes. Taking a deep dive at the end of the day and then circling back make perfect sense. Wait, what?"

If you're curious which phrases made it at the top of the list, here are the top 10 phrases that need to be banished.

“Wait, what?”, “supply chain”, and “no worries” are some of the phrases that made it to the list of Banished Words of 2021. Credit: Getty Images.​

1. 'Wait, what?'

The phrase is used to convey surprise or uncertainty. The survey suggests that some found this phrase to be "inexact", with one person complaining "I don't want to wait" whenever they hear this phrase.

2. 'No worries'

This classic Aussie slang is a substitute for "you're welcome" or "sure thing". But did you know that a number of English speakers nominated the phrase for its ubiquity?

The school noted that this phrase is "truly meaningless".

Check out some of the classic Aussie slangs in this video:

Credit: mmmEnglish​

3. 'At the end of the day'

The phrase first appeared on the Banished Words list way back in 1999. However ‘at the end of the day’ nothing seems to have changed.

4. 'That being said'

Nominators argued that this phrase is a redundant verbal filler.

One person said: “Go ahead and say what you want already!"

5. 'Asking for a friend'

This phrase has been used as a joke on social media, mainly by users who don't want to admit that they are asking the questions for themselves.

Although the phrase is meant to be humorous, some nominators said that the phrase is overused.

6. 'Circle back'

The school said: "It's a conversation, not the Winter Olympics."

7. 'Deep dive'

A number of people pointed out that diving is for bodies of water and not subjects or materials. Hence, the reason why they think this phrase is useless.

A person asked: "Do we need 'deep'? I mean, does anyone dive into the shallow end?"

8. 'New normal'

This phrase emerged to describe the societal changes that we're going through as we try to cope with the impacts of COVID-19. But, did you know that the phrase was actually banished back in 2012?

The nominators argue that the pandemic isn't "new" anymore so there's no reason for this phrase to still exist.

9. 'You're on mute'

As we shift from physical meetings to virtual conferences, this phrase has been used numerous times since the start of the pandemic.

10. 'Supply chain'

We are guilty of this. We used this term a lot last December, as the pandemic made supply issues over Christmas a bit of a hot topic.

The nominators pointed out that the phrase has been used as a scapegoat for any kind of shortage. Meanwhile, others argued that the term has been used as a buzzword.

Do you think that banishing common terms such as ‘no worries’ is important? We would love to hear your thoughts. ‘At the end of the day’, if you're getting the message across kindly and clearly, it shouldn't be an issue.

I fail to understand why Americans should be policing the ENGLISH language instead of the English, if they want it to be more correct then remove the incorrect introduced Americanisms - especially the use of "off of". Check a dictionary, the word of is not required here.

 

[Mindygirl12022]

Its understandable, I mean they are from Lake "Superior"...... how on earth could they possibly understand?.....
Let's look at any word from their American language........
Why would you ever call a tap a "faucet"? Surely they could see that if you force it, it will break, and then they will have to "tap into" the plumbing to fix it.....

Yes hha. a Fawcett sounds strange, as do many of the American words and sayings. I find it hilarious that the Yanks are trying to tell Aussies how to speak.

 

[Terry Yof]

These people obviously have nothing better to do with their time and possibly trying to justify their wages. LEAVE OUR AUSSIE SLANG ALONE!!! We are unique and our slang is ours.....if you don't like it POQ how aboutas one of our sayings go

These people obviously have nothing better to do with their time and possibly trying to justify their wages. LEAVE OUR AUSSIE SLANG ALONE!!! We are unique and our slang is ours.....if you don't like it POQ as one of our sayings go.

9

 

[Terry Yof]

I fail to understand why Americans should be policing the ENGLISH language instead of the English, if they want it to be more correct then remove the incorrect introduced Americanisms - especially the use of "off of". Check a dictionary, the word of is not required here.

How about get F..led

 

[Jan]

I agree with the other comments……leave our language alone….that’s us. Take us or leave us. I love our slang !!!

 

[DEL boy]

As long as they don't try to attack the Yorkshire dialect!!!

 

[Thecla]

when on a tour of England, Scotland , Ireland a few years back we had a great tour guide but very English....he couldn't get past when every morning when he asked how we were most of us turned around and said not too bad mate

 

[Thecla]

Australia is going to the pack and unfortunately, we are the cause. Not the old Aussies who remember the good old days and are proud to hang onto our heritage but the new generations, some imports that settle here and bloody Dudley Do-Rights that can’t leave well enough alone. They have to protest, go against all common sense and try to force everybody to conform to their way. I hate when Aussies have to follow America. We celebrate Halloween, we copy their protests even though it doesn’t apply to Australia, we can’t even eat a bloody prawn, it has to be a shrimp. To have anyone interfere with our heritage and now language is subversion. Fair suck of the sav, nick off you bludging drongos and go save a country that needs help.

Well said!!!

 

[Springlover05]

Aussie slang among one of the world’s ‘Banished Words’ of 2021 — here are some of the phrases that made it at the top of the list
​

Aussies are famous for their unmistakable twist on the English language and creative slang. It seems that we have another way of saying almost anything.

Petrol station becomes servo, the sandwich becomes sanga, afternoon becomes arvo, the list is endless.

Aussie slang may not be in the dictionary, but it's certainly something that has become part of the everyday vocabulary of most Australians. Credit: Getty Images.​

However, on the other side of the pond, Lake Superior State University in the USA conducts an annual survey of terms that they deem to be overused yet useless.

The school has notably conducted the survey since 1976 and has been publishing the results at the end of each year.

The survey, which amassed responses from English speakers around the globe, including Australia, Canada, Norway, Belgium, England, and Scotland, revealed that the phrases that dominated this year's list are more conversational compared to last year's list which was dominated by phrases related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LSSU Executive Director for Marketing and Communications Peter Szatmary said that the results may be a reflection of how Western society has adapted to the ongoing pandemic.

LSSU President Rodney S. Hanley in a statement: "Say what you mean and mean what you say. Can't get any easier, or harder, than that."

"Every year submitters play hard at suggesting what words and terms to banish by paying close attention to what humanity utters and writes. Taking a deep dive at the end of the day and then circling back make perfect sense. Wait, what?"

If you're curious which phrases made it at the top of the list, here are the top 10 phrases that need to be banished.

“Wait, what?”, “supply chain”, and “no worries” are some of the phrases that made it to the list of Banished Words of 2021. Credit: Getty Images.​

1. 'Wait, what?'

The phrase is used to convey surprise or uncertainty. The survey suggests that some found this phrase to be "inexact", with one person complaining "I don't want to wait" whenever they hear this phrase.

2. 'No worries'

This classic Aussie slang is a substitute for "you're welcome" or "sure thing". But did you know that a number of English speakers nominated the phrase for its ubiquity?

The school noted that this phrase is "truly meaningless".

Check out some of the classic Aussie slangs in this video:

Credit: mmmEnglish​

3. 'At the end of the day'

The phrase first appeared on the Banished Words list way back in 1999. However ‘at the end of the day’ nothing seems to have changed.

4. 'That being said'

Nominators argued that this phrase is a redundant verbal filler.

One person said: “Go ahead and say what you want already!"

5. 'Asking for a friend'

This phrase has been used as a joke on social media, mainly by users who don't want to admit that they are asking the questions for themselves.

Although the phrase is meant to be humorous, some nominators said that the phrase is overused.

6. 'Circle back'

The school said: "It's a conversation, not the Winter Olympics."

7. 'Deep dive'

A number of people pointed out that diving is for bodies of water and not subjects or materials. Hence, the reason why they think this phrase is useless.

A person asked: "Do we need 'deep'? I mean, does anyone dive into the shallow end?"

8. 'New normal'

This phrase emerged to describe the societal changes that we're going through as we try to cope with the impacts of COVID-19. But, did you know that the phrase was actually banished back in 2012?

The nominators argue that the pandemic isn't "new" anymore so there's no reason for this phrase to still exist.

9. 'You're on mute'

As we shift from physical meetings to virtual conferences, this phrase has been used numerous times since the start of the pandemic.

10. 'Supply chain'

We are guilty of this. We used this term a lot last December, as the pandemic made supply issues over Christmas a bit of a hot topic.

The nominators pointed out that the phrase has been used as a scapegoat for any kind of shortage. Meanwhile, others argued that the term has been used as a buzzword.

Do you think that banishing common terms such as ‘no worries’ is important? We would love to hear your thoughts. ‘At the end of the day’, if you're getting the message across kindly and clearly, it shouldn't be an issue.

If the Americans can judge what we say, because it's not the right English language, then they should spell words the English spelling not their American spelling.

 

[ann]

Imagine, Americans telling us how we should be speaking, they can't even speak or spell English!!

 

[Abinme]

As everyone else had said, why do we have to have Americanisms in our language while ours are obliterated!!!!!

 

[Topher]

I would dearly love to have the opening "interjections" of most pollies (and others) when being introduced, included: "Listen ...", "I mean ... " are the primary culprits. Add "Have a good one," added to the list as well - I take notice approvingly of the tradies and assistants, etc. who wish me happiness for the rest of the day (or whatever): they avoid flippant and unthoughtful farewells. (Perhaps checkout operators need to be taught "Enjoy the use of your purchases) or "We hope today's purchases will encourage you to return to our store.")
Most greetings, salutations and farewells are mere habit - more than once I have been asked, "How are you?" and replied with "Not too well, had to go to the hospital," only to receive the response, ""Oh, that's good" while the person went on to what they wanted to talk to you about.
Like those who use 'inappropriate and socially awkward' words and exclamations, so often it is a case of being too busy and unconcerned about listening/reacting to the person we are with.

 

[Topher]

Imagine, Americans telling us how we should be speaking, they can't even speak or spell English!!

"I got off OF the chair","I gave him a clip upside the ear" or "Hey, y'all" - or worse, "Aluminum" and "nucular bomb"?

 

[Marynumbertwo]

Aussie slang among one of the world’s ‘Banished Words’ of 2021 — here are some of the phrases that made it at the top of the list
​

Aussies are famous for their unmistakable twist on the English language and creative slang. It seems that we have another way of saying almost anything.

Petrol station becomes servo, the sandwich becomes sanga, afternoon becomes arvo, the list is endless.

Aussie slang may not be in the dictionary, but it's certainly something that has become part of the everyday vocabulary of most Australians. Credit: Getty Images.​

However, on the other side of the pond, Lake Superior State University in the USA conducts an annual survey of terms that they deem to be overused yet useless.

The school has notably conducted the survey since 1976 and has been publishing the results at the end of each year.

The survey, which amassed responses from English speakers around the globe, including Australia, Canada, Norway, Belgium, England, and Scotland, revealed that the phrases that dominated this year's list are more conversational compared to last year's list which was dominated by phrases related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LSSU Executive Director for Marketing and Communications Peter Szatmary said that the results may be a reflection of how Western society has adapted to the ongoing pandemic.

LSSU President Rodney S. Hanley in a statement: "Say what you mean and mean what you say. Can't get any easier, or harder, than that."

"Every year submitters play hard at suggesting what words and terms to banish by paying close attention to what humanity utters and writes. Taking a deep dive at the end of the day and then circling back make perfect sense. Wait, what?"

If you're curious which phrases made it at the top of the list, here are the top 10 phrases that need to be banished.

“Wait, what?”, “supply chain”, and “no worries” are some of the phrases that made it to the list of Banished Words of 2021. Credit: Getty Images.​

1. 'Wait, what?'

The phrase is used to convey surprise or uncertainty. The survey suggests that some found this phrase to be "inexact", with one person complaining "I don't want to wait" whenever they hear this phrase.

2. 'No worries'

This classic Aussie slang is a substitute for "you're welcome" or "sure thing". But did you know that a number of English speakers nominated the phrase for its ubiquity?

The school noted that this phrase is "truly meaningless".

Check out some of the classic Aussie slangs in this video:

Credit: mmmEnglish​

3. 'At the end of the day'

The phrase first appeared on the Banished Words list way back in 1999. However ‘at the end of the day’ nothing seems to have changed.

4. 'That being said'

Nominators argued that this phrase is a redundant verbal filler.

One person said: “Go ahead and say what you want already!"

5. 'Asking for a friend'

This phrase has been used as a joke on social media, mainly by users who don't want to admit that they are asking the questions for themselves.

Although the phrase is meant to be humorous, some nominators said that the phrase is overused.

6. 'Circle back'

The school said: "It's a conversation, not the Winter Olympics."

7. 'Deep dive'

A number of people pointed out that diving is for bodies of water and not subjects or materials. Hence, the reason why they think this phrase is useless.

A person asked: "Do we need 'deep'? I mean, does anyone dive into the shallow end?"

8. 'New normal'

This phrase emerged to describe the societal changes that we're going through as we try to cope with the impacts of COVID-19. But, did you know that the phrase was actually banished back in 2012?

The nominators argue that the pandemic isn't "new" anymore so there's no reason for this phrase to still exist.

9. 'You're on mute'

As we shift from physical meetings to virtual conferences, this phrase has been used numerous times since the start of the pandemic.

10. 'Supply chain'

We are guilty of this. We used this term a lot last December, as the pandemic made supply issues over Christmas a bit of a hot topic.

The nominators pointed out that the phrase has been used as a scapegoat for any kind of shortage. Meanwhile, others argued that the term has been used as a buzzword.

Do you think that banishing common terms such as ‘no worries’ is important? We would love to hear your thoughts. ‘At the end of the day’, if you're getting the message across kindly and clearly, it shouldn't be an issue.

At the end of the day is used a lot by Car sales people and Insurance sales people and it gets so annoying when you are trying to do business and they continue to say this. I called one person out on this because he kept using the term until It annoyed me so much he didn't get a sale and I told him why. I left him shocked because I was ready to buy, No sale at the end of the day.

 

[KatKop]

I first heard 'deep dive' in the UK and subsequently encountered it in a range of countries as it was *business speak*.