Linguists Call for a Slang Intervention: What Words Should We Ban in 2026?

As the new year kicks off, linguists are raising their voices against certain viral slang terms that they’ve deemed to be officially over the hill. It seems they believe some of these catchy phrases, often born from rap songs or trending TikTok challenges, have become more annoying than amusing. The concern is that these words, which once added flair to our conversations, have lost their spark and value.

Those in the language community argue that allowing these obnoxious terms to linger could lead to a decline in meaningful interactions. With the rise of social media, many catchphrases achieve viral fame, entering everyday dialogue, but their rollercoaster ride to popularity doesn’t grant them a permanent seat at the table. Experts suggest that making a conscious effort to ditch the overused slang might encourage clearer communication and maybe save a few of our brain cells from straining through mind-numbing phrases.

So, as we move forward into 2026, maybe it’s time for a collective vocabulary cleanse. Language evolves, sure, but perhaps it’s time we part ways with the phrases that wear out their welcome. After all, who really wants to be stuck in a time warp of cringe-worthy lingo?