Where's 'maverick' on that list? That's one I can do without hearing for awhile.

Absolutely, John. Although the word's overuse did lead me to do some research on its origin -- turns out to be this dude from Texas. Fascinating character in American history.

This is a great post. I spend some time in an office and they all have shorthand speak that would make your head scratch.

I myself find the world of Star Trek jargon strangely calming -- all that 'beam me up...' chatter is like a warm glass of milk.

Henry Cruz
(blog: HenryCruz.com)

For a few years back in the early 90s, the LA Times Sunday magazine used to have a sort of jargon column, each week a different work environment or subculture: surfers, fire station, golfers, funeral homes. I clipped those out and kept them around for years - just the kind of lingo a writer can pull out to provide some punch to dialogue. Of course, there are all sorts of online slang websites like this one.

The word "spot-on" was used a lot in 2008.

Totally agree with "staycation." Heard that word too much in 2008.

I notice most of 2008's most popular words have a down beat to them. How 'bout some happy words for 2009?

- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA