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.

 

[Dot]

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.

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.

 

[Ray]

Exactly we are one in the best country in the world and we are bloody Ozzie's unique in our own way so bugga orf

 

[Liz]

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.

Agree Dot, leave us Aussie's alone. Just because we understand our language why should others interfere.

 

[Ricci]

Hands off our language, it's what makes us us. Wouldn't it be a boring old world if we all spoke the same. Our language is colourful yet succinct and easily understood.

 

[Robbo128]

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.....

 

[LadyD]

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 think this is just another example of ‘do gooders’ needing to justify their jobs. If we want to use these lines so what, it doesn’t need to impact anyone else. For me, we Australians have too many rules and regulations today and we are starting to lose our rights to be who we are, warts and all. Fair dinkum and no worries mate!

 

[Gaggle]

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.

No I do not think banishing “no worries “ is a good idea. Would never happen anyway. You could always say as my son does “no wuckas “

 

[Gaggle]

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.

Exactly! We have to fight to keep our Aussie slang and stop the vile Americanisms

 

[Gaggle]

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.....

 

[LadyD]

Exactly! We have to fight to keep our Aussie slang and stop the vile Americanisms

100% mate

 

[Maree Z]

I wish they would ban the term "let's unpack that". I could scream when I hear that one.

 

[David57]

Bloody wrong lvl. get out of the big smoke, dunny is used in the country, never use this word loo, some out of town word used in the big smoke,
Another place is Newie- Newcastle, Mexican-Vic's,
Get the plum out & speak Aussie lvl

 

[Retiree46]

What has our language have to do with An American study, They have no respect for their President, they voted him in with the largest majority then try and drag him down to their lever (Gutter Level). First thing they should do is a survey on how to make a good cup of coffee. Leave us Aussies alone Yanks.

 

[Pat T]

I wish they would ban the term "let's unpack that". I could scream when I hear that one.

I could too, especially when Hubby says it after we arrive at our holiday destination, then walks away leaving ME to do it.

 

[Chris P Bacon]

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.

 

[Pat T]

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

 

[Isabell]

How is “sure thing “ preferable to “no worries “? Hands off, Lake Superior!

 

[MotherGoose]

Seriously, who cares what a couple of academics at some obscure American university think about anything?

 

[BigRed]

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 think this is just another example of ‘do gooders’ needing to justify their jobs. If we want to use these lines so what, it doesn’t need to impact anyone else. For me, we Australians have too many rules and regulations today and we are starting to lose our rights to be who we are, warts and all. Fair dinkum and no worries mate!

Clearly some people have nothing better to do. They need to get a life as this survey is clearly 'useless"