If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?

So, the WordPress app has been replaced with the JetPack app, and one of the cool things it does is it I reminds me that I need to blog before the day is over, AND it provides you with a prompt that you can use! I decided I’m going to use today’s prompt because there’ one word I’d ban from general usage…

“LIKE”

Of course, this word is probably more popular now because of Ice Spice’s EP “Like..?” But this word has inserted itself into my vocabulary since I was young, and the fact that I use it as a filler word, such as “umm,” is CRAZY.

I think a major reason why I don’t like listening back to videos of me is because I can hear the “like’s” and “umm’s” SO frequently! It’s cringey! I don’t know how anyone can listen to me talk 🤣 Ever since I revamped my podcast though, I’ve been trying to be more mindful of saying “like” too much. I pause instead, allowing me and the audience to breathe. And I believe that when I speak in poetry events I don’t say “like” as much either, which is so interesting to me. Maybe it’s because my brain can sense the setting is more “formal,” I guess?

It’s sad though because I know “like” is used in other ways, such as to say that someone enjoys something. But they could just use the word enjoy, so maybe I don’t feel as bad.

Sheesh, how many times have I said the word “maybe”? That word will be the next one to go!

Mishy 🦋