During 2002 I judged a contest which I call “”The Most Overused Word or Phrase”” contest.
The year began with the 2001 favorite, “”connect the dots.”” It was modestly cute the first few times I heard it, but quickly became annoying and the clear front-runner in my contest.
But out of nowhere came “”at the end of the day.”” No redeeming cuteness there. It quickly jumped into the lead, and by early fall looked all but unbeatable.
And, then, the dark horse.
It wasn’t even a phrase, just a simple word. It vaulted into the lead, helped immeasurably by the mayor of Lewiston first, then by every other interested party in the country, it seemed.
Therefore, as self-appointed judge of this contest, I declare that The Most Overused Word or Phrase of 2002 is: diversity.
Congratulations to everyone who helped strip this nice word of any and all meaning.
Mike LeBlanc, East Wilton
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