The phrase “67” wasn’t just a meme—it was a cultural obsession. Lake Superior State University’s 2026 Banished Words List crowned it the most overused term of the year, reflecting how a single number became a shorthand for everything from humor to absurdity. Here’s why it mattered—and why it had to go.
The Rise of “67”: How a Number Became a Meme
The phrase “67” didn’t just trend—it dominated. Originating from internet humor, it quickly became a shorthand for absurdity, irony, and even existential dread. Its ubiquity was undeniable, seeping into conversations, social media, and even mainstream entertainment. The Lake Superior State University’s Banished Words List didn’t just ban it for being overused; it banned it for being inescapable.
What made “67” so powerful? Its ambiguity. Unlike other viral phrases, it didn’t tie to a single event or personality. Instead, it became a blank slate for humor, frustration, and even political commentary. When South Park dedicated an entire Halloween episode to the phrase, it wasn’t just satire—it was a cultural mirror. The episode, which spoofed The Exorcist with Cartman’s obsession over “67,” highlighted how deeply the phrase had embedded itself in the collective consciousness.
The Banished Words List: A 50-Year Tradition
Lake Superior State University’s Banished Words List isn’t just a quirky annual tradition—it’s a cultural barometer. For 50 years, the list has called out overused phrases, corporate jargon, and linguistic crutches that clutter communication. The 2026 edition, released on New Year’s Day, featured submissions from all 50 U.S. states and countries as far as Uzbekistan and Japan. Over 1,400 entries were whittled down to a top 10, with “67” claiming the dubious honor of the top spot.
The full list reads like a time capsule of 2025’s linguistic quirks:
- 67 – The undisputed champion of overuse.
- Demure – A word that lost its meaning through over-application.
- Cooked – Once a slang term for exhaustion, now a cliché.
- Massive – A hyperbole that lost its impact.
- Incentivize – Corporate-speak at its finest.
- Full Stop – A phrase that became a verbal crutch.
- Perfect – Overused to the point of meaninglessness.
- Gift/Gifted – A trendy replacement for “give” that wore out its welcome.
- My Bad – A casual apology that lost its sincerity.
- Reach Out – A phrase that became synonymous with empty professionalism.
Why “67” Resonated—and Why It Had to Go
The phrase “67” wasn’t just a meme; it was a reflection of how language evolves in the digital age. Its rise coincided with a year where absurdity felt like the norm. From political chaos to viral trends, “67” became a way to encapsulate the inexplicable. But its overuse diluted its power. What started as a clever inside joke became a linguistic tic, stripping it of its original charm.
The banishment of “67” isn’t just about moving on from a tired phrase—it’s about recognizing how language shapes culture. When a word or phrase becomes so ubiquitous that it loses meaning, it’s time to retire it. The Banished Words List serves as a reminder that language should evolve, not stagnate.
The True Crime Connection: A Year of Obsession
While “67” dominated the linguistic landscape, 2025 was also a year of true crime obsession. Variety’s list of the best true crime documentaries highlighted this trend, with Netflix’s Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer topping the charts. The documentary’s raw, victim-centered approach resonated with audiences, proving that true crime isn’t just entertainment—it’s a way to process real-world horrors.
Other standouts included The Perfect Neighbor and Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, both of which explored the darker sides of human behavior. These documentaries didn’t just entertain; they reflected a societal fascination with the macabre, offering a counterpoint to the absurdity of phrases like “67.”
What’s Next? The Future of Viral Language
The banishment of “67” raises a question: What’s next? In an era where trends rise and fall at lightning speed, the next viral phrase is already lurking. The key takeaway from the 2026 Banished Words List is that language is fluid. What feels fresh today can become tiresome tomorrow. The challenge is to use words with intention, not just repetition.
For now, “67” joins the ranks of other overused phrases that once defined their moments. Its legacy isn’t just in its ubiquity but in what it revealed about our culture—a year where absurdity reigned, and language struggled to keep up.
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