There are some words in the English language that should just straight up be banned from use. I have always wondered about the origins of some words, like who came up with the word “rutabaga”? Who looked at some fat, dirt-covered root and said “hmmm... I want to eat this and call it a rutabaga?” These sorts of things intrigue me and also keep me awake at night. That being said, there are some words that are spine chilling, gut-wrenching and completely unnecessary which is why I have created a list of 15 words that should never be used, and provided appropriate alternatives or definitions.

1. Panties- "Pantaloons"

2. Lubricant- "something your grandpa says that makes you uncomfortable"

3. Moist- "word everyone claims to hate"

4. Penetrate- "never a good enough reason to use this word"

5. Slit- "Only acceptable when talking about cat eyes or dresses. That's it."

6. Barnacle- "curse word for SpongeBob"

7. Burpee- "pain-inducing torture exercise"

8. Yolk- "chicken embryo"

9. Curd- "what your grandma tries to tell you isn't gross AKA rotten milk"

10. Bulbous- "description of Barbra Streisand's nose"

11. Lugubrious- "old people term for sadness"

12. Yeast- "fungus that makes bread and scares people"

13. Milky- "idk honestly"

14. Nougat- "the part of the snickers nobody likes"

15. Scrupulous- "absolutely the worst word in the English language"

Here are some helpful alternatives to words that just gross people out. Don’t be nasty and use this cheat sheet when you find yourself in a sticky situation where you need an easy out. Don’t be lugubrious so find yourself a milky way with a nice nougat to penetrate your mouth. See? It’s gross and makes people uncomfortable. Be smart with your words and everyone will live a happier life.