The Grammar Guru series kicked the year off with a list of words and phrases to banish from the English language. After that installment was published, I received an influx of even MORE words and phrases you all want to see retired. So here’s a fresh list of 10 new additions!

(Don’t worry — the original 12 are still at the bottom of the article.)

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Aesthetic (when misused)!

Why it’s out: Riley T. of New York City says this one grinds her gears, and I can absolutely see why. This word is buzzy. “Aesthetic” (when used correctly) is an adjective or noun that refers to certain principles of beauty and artistic taste. As an adjective, it describes something that aligns with a particular style. “The room has an aesthetic design inspired by Mid-Century Modern principles.” As a noun, it refers to an overall artistic style. “His aesthetic is minimalist.” What it cannot be is a stand-alone adjective, and that’s how everyone is using it.

Alternatives: Instead of, “This coffee shop is so aesthetic!” try “This coffee shop has such a cozy aesthetic.” Instead of “Her makeup is aesthetic,” say, “She nailed the soft-glam makeup aesthetic.” We need to get more specific and less lazy!

Should of, Could of, Would of

Why it’s out: Thank you for this one, Ellen A. from Nashville! We must stop with this. When spoken as a contraction, “should’ve” sounds an awful lot like “should of,” but make no mistake, it is never correct to write or speak “OF” with “should,” “could,” or “would.” The proper verb phrase needs “have.”

Alternatives: Should have/should’ve, would have/would’ve, and could have/could’ve are always the correct ways to say and spell these phrases.

Addicting

Why it’s out: The word “addicting” has become trendy in conversation, and most don’t realize they’re misusing it. People assume it follows patterns like “exciting” (from “excite”) or “amazing” (from “amaze”). But it’s incorrect.

Alternatives: “Addictive” is the correct adjective that describes something that causes addiction. But consider rephrasing the sentence and use “addictive” for instances more serious than the chips you can’t put down or the TV shows you can’t stop watching.

Comfortability, Uncomfortability

Why it’s out: If you’re thinking, “There’s no way people are actually using these words, “… I assure you, they are. I’ve heard these clunky, weird words creeping into the news, podcasts, and social media. Yes, “comfortability” exists in the dictionary, but it doesn’t mean you should use it!

Alternatives: Comfort, discomfort

Conversate

Why it’s out: Another example of tweaking letters and consonants unnecessarily to make us sound smarter and feel fancier. This nonstandard word has entered the chat, likely because other verbs turn correctly into the -ate form in the past tenses, so it sounds correct, like demonstrate(d) and celebrate(d).

Alternatives: If you want to sound polished and grammatically correct, stick with “converse,” “talk,” or “discuss.”

Ideate

Why it’s out: Ah, another corporate buzzword that refuses to die. “Ideate” is a real word, but it’s not as fancy or innovative as people think. It simply means “to form ideas” or “to think creatively.” Consider retiring it, lest ticking off your colleagues!

Alternatives: Brainstorm, think

Obvious, Obviously

Why it’s out: “I would like to see the words ‘obvious’ and ‘obviously’ retired,” John C. from Montana writes. “If something is obvious, it doesn’t need to be pointed out. And if something isn’t really obvious, you shouldn’t use the word at all.” I agree with your sentiments, John. The word can also sound condescending and rude. If you have to say, “Obviously, I was joking,” were you really joking?

Alternative: Remove it! The meaning should remain. Instead of “You’re obviously upset. Let’s take a few minutes, ” try “You’re upset. Let’s take a few minutes.”

Anyways

Why it’s out: “I loved this article and am so glad you did it!” writes Donna D. from Atlanta. “I have one that was not on the list that makes me cringe: ‘Anyways.’ How did an ‘s’ ever become part of this word? What bothers me just as much is that highly educated individuals use it so often!” I discussed this in-depth in a previous Grammar Guru episode, but it bears repeating. “Anyways” is not a word. Correct or incorrect use of this one immediately instills or strips away trust in the speaker. Can we please banish “anyways?”

Alternative: It’s ALWAYS “anyway.” This is one grammar hill I will die on.

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Besides the point

Why it’s out: This is just plain wrong, but even sharp people fall victim to it in casual conversation. The phrase means something is irrelevant or unrelated to the main issue. The key here is “beside” — which means next to, but not part of something.

Alternative: That’s beside the point

How come

Why it’s out: This entry came from Gates in Charlotte, NC. “How come” isn’t necessarily wrong, but it’s grammatically clunky, indirect, and not the best choice in most cases. You’re not a toddler, after all. If you can replace it with “why” and the sentence still makes sense, you probably should.

Alternative: Why

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The Original List: 12 Words & Phrases to Retire in 2025

Bespoke

Why it’s out: This is a fancy, empty word for “custom” that makes you sound like you live in a British period drama but shop on Etsy. Originally reserved for custom-tailored suits, it’s now thrown onto everything from web services to sandwiches to workouts. Calling something bespoke doesn’t make it fancier; it just seems like you’re trying too hard.

Alternative: We can go back to saying “custom” or “tailored.” There’s no need for pretense. “This is a custom kitchen design” or “The kitchen was custom-outfitted” sounds clear and professional. Instead of “bespoke workout plans,” try “tailored workout plans” or “personalized workouts.” Same vibe, less eye-roll. A sandwich can just be “made-to-order.”

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Learning lessons …

Why it’s out: To clarify, we’re all for the act of learning lessons. HOWEVER, we’ve seen many people using “learning lessons” as a noun on social media and at work. This is one of those redundant phrases to retire. A lesson, by definition, implies learning. Claiming an eye-opening experience was a “learning lesson” is like saying “wet water” or “hot fire.” Maybe we say it because it feels emphatic. Perhaps we like the alliteration. But let’s leave it behind.

Alternatives: If you’re tempted to use “learning lesson,” just stop at “lesson.” Or, if you must spice it up, go with “learning experience,” “valuable insight,” “teachable moment,” “hard truth,” or “wake-up call.” Anything but this double-decker nonsense. We’ll call this a learning lesson … one last time.

“Oh, just wait!” (to expecting mothers)

Why it’s out: As a mom-to-be, nothing grinds my gears more than this, and I hear it multiple times a day. It’s an unsolicited warning thinly disguised as wisdom. “You think it’s hard to sleep now, just wait!” is the most common one I hear. “Just wait” is usually preceded or followed by doomsday predictions about our bodies, sleepless nights, tantrums, and diaper blowouts.

Pregnant people are fully aware that pregnancy and parenting are complex, and we are already strapped in on a roller coaster heading up. Please let us enjoy the ride without your ominous foreshadowing.

Alternatives: Make it positive. Instead of “Just wait until you’re covered in spit-up,” try, “Just wait until you see their first smile.” Swap “Just wait until they’re teething — it’s a nightmare” for, “Teething can be tough, but you’ll figure out what works for your baby.” Or skip the warnings altogether and say something like, “You’re going to rock this. I can’t wait to hear about your journey.” Let’s stay uplifting and respectful, acknowledging that everyone’s journey is different.

Utilize

Why it’s out: Yep, Grammar Guru is griping about this word YET AGAIN! Most of the time I hear this word, it’s used incorrectly. In a previous Grammar Guru episode on word pairs, I explained that “utilize” suggests a new, profitable, or practical use for something. It means to use something in a way that is beyond its intended purpose. It’s not a smart-sounding way to say use.

Alternative: USE. It’s that simple. Just say use.

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No worries

Why it’s out: I say this one sometimes, so I want to suggest that it’s OK to say it occasionally. But it seems to have become the customer-service bandaid for every issue, worry-inducing or otherwise. It can be too casual and dismissive in certain settings and can imply an issue that wasn’t there to begin with.

Alternatives: Instead of “No worries,” try “It’s no problem at all” or “I’m happy to help.” Those feel warmer and less dismissive. Or you could keep it short and polite. Swap “No worries” for “You’re welcome” or “It’s all good.” These are just as casual but more specific. If someone apologizes and you don’t want to brush it off, say, “I understand — thank you for letting me know.” This balances empathy and professionalism.

A whole nother | nother

Why it’s out: This is just lazy English, people. Few things make me cringe more than hearing “nother” articulated as a word. “That’s a whole nother level of wealth,” or “That’s a whole nother conversation.” Technically, nother is a word with roots dating as early as the 14th century, but it’s not considered proper English today.

Alternative: A whole other, an entire other, another. “That’s a whole other conversation.” “That’s a project for another day.”

Amazing

Why it’s out: This adjective has been stretched so thin it’s practively translucent and useless. There are so many better descriptors out there. It’s an easy one to fill up our IRL chats, yaps, and social discourse, but swapping out this word can elevate you in the eyes of others immediately. By retiring “amazing” as our one-size-fits-all adjective, we make room for words with actual personality.

Alternatives: There are limitless better words for “amazing.” Be more descriptive. Instead of “That sunset was amazing,” say, “That sunset was breathtaking — it looked like the sky was on fire.” Match your enthusiasm to the moment. Swap “The movie was amazing” for “This movie was hilarious” or “The movie was so moving, I cried twice.” Specificity makes your excitement more believable.

In my ____ era

Why it’s out: This one was fun for a while, channeling Taylor Swift vibes and throwing it around to describe anything and everything — “In my gym era,” “In my oat milk latte era,” “In my lazy era,” “In my mom era.” But at this point, we are era-overloaded. The tour is over. Forever. Taylor may have started this trend, but it’s time to stop equating everything to an era. We get that you contain multitudes.

Alternatives: To say it better, be straightforward: Instead of “I’m in my productivity era,” just say, “I’m really focused on getting stuff done right now.” Instead of “In my fitness era,” try something like, “I’ve actually been enjoying the gym a lot lately.” It’s conversational and more relatable.

It’s giving _____

Why it’s out: Originally fun and punchy, this has become the verbal equivalent of an overplayed TikTok sound. This phrase undoubtedly gave us some laughs, but now it’s giving … done.

Alternatives:  Instead of “It’s giving chaos,” say, “This feels chaotic.” Clarity is in for 2025. Be descriptive instead of trendy. Swap “It’s giving boss vibes” for “You look like you own the room.” More impactful and way less stale.

Chillax

Why it’s out: Made-up, combined words sound immature. Can we leave them in 2024?

Alternatives: Relax, chill, chill out

Ginormous

Why it’s out: Again, you’re not a five-year-old, and this isn’t a real word. It’s a mashup of giant/gigantic and enormous.

Alternatives: Gargantuan, colossal, giant, gigantic, enormous

_____ and I’s _____

Why it’s out: You all know I had to get at least one grammar faux pas into this article. It’s just plain wrong. I’ve seen and heard this too much recently. Dax Shephard seems to fall victim on every episode of Armchair Expert. “I’s” is never correct, so don’t say it or write it … BANISH IT, I beg of you. The actual possessive form of “I” is “my.” Always has been, and always will be.

Alternatives: Instead of “Emily and I’s project,” go with “Emily’s and my project.” It may feel clunky at first, but it is correct, and people won’t privately cringe. Another option is to rephrase the sentence by flipping the structure: “The project Emily and I are working on.” Smooth, natural, and no rogue “I’s” in sight.

In 2025, let’s pledge to be clear and concise and leave the redundant and overwrought crying-inducing jargon in the rearview mirror. Bonus points if you call out these phrases in your next meeting or group chat.

There are surely more words and phrases to retire than these. What other ones do you think should get the boot? Email [email protected], and I will consider a follow-up article on reader-submitted ideas!

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