Verboten

Apparently, the CEO of Tribune Co. has issued a list of 119 words and phrases that are not to be uttered on the air of WGN, Tribune's flagship radio station.

Say what you will about whether the CEO ought to be focused on bigger issues (the company's bankruptcy, for one). I still love the list, which includes:

• “Two to one margin” . . . “Two to one” is a ratio, not a margin. A margin is measured in points. It’s not a ratio.


• Completely destroyed, completely abolished, completely finished or any other completely redundant use


• Eye Rack or Eye Ran


• In the wake of (unless it’s a boating story)


• Literally


• Mute point. (It’s moot point, but don’t say that either)


• Utilize (you mean use)

Check out this attempt to use them all in one sentence.