Get us in your inbox

Search

The most overused words and phrases of 2016

An annoying hashtag, plenty of pop culture references and a fake apology all made our list of this year's most overused words or phrases

Written by
Jonathan Samples
Advertising

English is a simple language, but that hasn't stopped us from using it stupidly at times. We love to misaproproate common words and add a vapid layer of subtext and irony to every conversation. Sorry, not sorry. The editors at Time Out Chicago have picked through the hundreds of creative cliches you've introduced to our lexicon and selected the best (or worst) word choices of 2016. We've already retired "Netflix and chill," but we've uncovered many othr low-key words and phrases to get you turnt up (did we use that correctly?) to our ever-evolving language.

RECOMMENDED:The best of 2016

What better way to overstate your vague interest in a banal hobby. We get it, you're totally into adult coloring books.

From a state of dangerous inebreation to a wild office Christmas pary, "lit" has become a tired descriptor used for virtually any occasion.
Advertising

Because adding a little stank to the word "sorry" wasn't passive aggresive enough, the "not sorry" is sure to express how little empathy you actually have.

Try using a more spot-on insult to disparage your roomate's vinyl collection.
Advertising

So, we've decide to retire this and every other turn of phrase popularized by Kanye West. 

Over the years, this term has gone through many iterations: straight up, true, obviously and (my personal favorite) preach, all of which are better than "high key."
Advertising

This one's been on our radar for a while, but this year we've officially had enough. "Friday" is hilarious but most people throwing around this ironic phrase were barely walking when this cult stoner classic was released.

Whether on Twitter or Instagram, #goals has become a favorite hastag of insecure millenials. Here's an old saying worth remembering the next time you feel the urge to hashtag goals, "Don't talk about it, be about it."
Advertising

Like "lit," this word has been tossed around more house parties than a ping pong ball. As such, use of "turnt" is officially turnt off until further notice.

We're so over this dissmissive expression. Phrase, bye!
Advertising

When you need to low key ditch a term that lacks coherence, remind people that their mom uses it regularly.

Aside from confusing the fuck out of your auto correct, "yaaaaassss" just takes too long to type. Save yourself some time, and use an exclamation point instead.
Advertising

If you are frequently aroung people who use this word to describe themselves or their frat brothers, make new friends.

Wake up and use the correct tense of "awake."
Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising