Metrosexuals a no-no for linguists
AP[ THURSDAY, JANUARY 01, 2004 09:09:20 AM ]
DETROIT: Calling all metrosexuals: Get rid of that bling-bling -- or
at least find another word for it.
In its annual compilation of language irritants, Lake Superior State
University singled out 17 words and phrases that it says ought to be
banned as overused, trite, euphemistic or just plain inaccurate.
The 2004 losers were chosen by a university committee from more than
5,000 nominations from around the world.
'Metrosexual' topped the list. Coined in 1994 by British journalist
Mark Simpson, the term refers to urban, usually heterosexual men
with a keen interest in fashion, shopping and elaborate grooming.
But to Bob Forrest of Tempe, Arizona, one of many to nominate the
term for banishment, it "sounds like someone who only has sex
downtown or on the subway."
Fred Bernardin of Arlington, Massachusetts, asked, "Aren't there
enough words to describe men who spend too much time in front of the
mirror?" As for 'punked' or 'punk'd,' as the MTV prank show spells
it -- the committee defined it as `bamboozled, duped, flimflammed,
hornswoggled'.
'Bling-bling,' a term for flashy jewellery or other luxury goods,
made its way into the mainstream from rap music. Said Todd Facklas
of Chicago: "Yes, your mom might say it. Nothing could kill the
mystique of a word faster."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/399164.cms