Some words are overused and can be annoying. Some words are used multiple times a day, and some words have little to no meaning to them. These words and phrases are repeated so often that it makes you wish that you could banish them. The Emperor Grapevine’s banned words list was inspired by Lake Superior State University, which annually creates a list of “banished words” each January.
With the help of a limited student survey, the Emperor Grapevine staff created the following list of the top 10 words that should be banned in 2025. We have defined what they mean, given examples, and provided some input from Grapevine staff members to explain why it should banned.
1)Skibidi: Skibidi is a multi-use word that can mean “good” or “bad” and “cool.” No one knows the actual definition of the word “Skibidi”, as it has no meaning. An example of using this word is when you say, “What the heck?” but instead, “What the skibidi?”
“I never understood it and it just sounds annoying, it doesn’t make sense nor does it have any meaning,” stated one student.
2)Gyatt: Gyatt is a term used to express intense excitement and admiration toward an attractive individual. It is sometimes associated with admiration of a person’s backside. An example of this term used is “ Oh my gyatt! She is so fine!”
“Annoying and rude!” summed up a student.
3)Demure: The word Demure is a French term meaning modest or shy. It became popular because of Tik Tok poster Jools Lebron who discussed “how to be demure at work.”
“The term demure should indefinitely be left in 2024. Demure is not classy in the slightest. People who use the word demure are annoying and should learn some new vocabulary if they really wanna be “cutesy,” said an EGV staff writer.
4) Ohio: This term means random phenomena or “odd.” An example of how to use it is when someone says “Only in Ohio.”
“I don’t understand how the state’s name became a word to describe things as ‘weird,'” commented one student.
5) Rizz: The term ‘’Rizz’’ is the ability to attract, charm, or attractiveness and is short for charisma.
A student noted, “It defines the attraction that others childishly feel towards you.”
6) Chat: ‘’Chat’’ has a few different meanings. Often it refers to a casual conversation between two or more people. It is also used in reference to online “chatting” and devolved into name calling.
“I think the word chat needs to be banned. I think it’s annoying when people say it, especially when you say it and you’re only talking to one person because who are you even talking to right now? I think it was overused by too many people and it got old really fast. “-Staff Writer
7) It’s giving: “It’s giving” is a slang term that is used to describe someone or something’s look or vibe. An example of this would be looking at someone’s outfit and saying, “It’s giving 80’s.”
“¨It’s giving’ should be banished because it is annoying and usually leads to an insult or is intended to insult someone. The way people say it as well sounds annoying; they drag the phrase and move their hands like just spit it out and say what you are trying to say. It just sounds dumb and is overused.” stated a Grapevine staff writer.
8) Slay: It is often used to describe someone’s fashion as impressive or doing a good job. For example, you can tell someone to “slay queen!” when they’re doing exceptional in something.
“ A word from 2024 that should be banned in 2025 should be ‘Slay.’ This word is just too cringy and it’s used too often. Like people will say ‘slay queen’ or like ‘slay girl,’ and I just think we don’t need that word,” wrote one annoyed student.
9) erm, actually: “erm, actually” is used as slang. The first part of the phrase is not a word; “erm” is a nonsense verbal vocalization such as “um” or “oh.” The phrase is used to make fun of people who correct others. Hence, the term “erm, actually,” is commonly used by people who correct grammar.
“Basically it’s used by someone who seemed like a know-it-all, and it became overused when correcting someone.“ said a Staff Writer.
10) Alpha and Sigma: ‘’Alpha’’ refers to someone stronger who likes to be in charge of others.
“Simga is a word used to describe ‘a popular, leader, alpha male.’ I personally think it sounds weird to refer to yourself as an alpha/sigma and it is just a sign of low intelligence, which is why it should be added to the list and taken out of our vocabulary.” – Staff member
As the world sheds itself of 2024 and enters 2025, it was interesting to see the many words and expressions used by people, although many were annoying, as seen by this list. Ultimately it is exciting to see the wondrous phrases and expressions that will be seen in 2025 and if the same words from 2024 will keep their relevance to end up on the list again in 2025.