Each year, the folks at Lake Superior State University ask the public to submit expressions that have become cliches. And on New Year’s Day, they issue a list of those expressions that are heretofore banned. More than 2000 cliches were nominated, and they’ve been whittled down to 23 used-up words and phrases.

Smart move on the part of their Public Relations staff — there must be thousands of college-bound students (and their parents), who only know that Lake Superior State University exists is because of this list.

Although most of the expressions on the list aren’t likely to be used in advertising, it acts as a timely reminder that “friendly and knowlegeable staff” should never be in your copy.

You can see the whole list here.

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