Sideshow

TIME TO CALL IN THE LANGUAGE POLICE: In one of the most meteoric rises in show biz history, "wardrobe malfunction" has become the Hollywood phrase with the most impact on the English language in the past year, according to a group that monitors such things.

This news from the Global Language Monitor is not surprising, though. The phrase Justin Timberlake used to describe how Janet Jackson ended up flashing the world at the Super Bowl was, along with Jackson's right breast, more overexposed than the Hollywood sign within days of the event.

This got us thinking about other words and phrases with entertainment roots we would like to hear retired.

Bootylicious - It's Hollywood's second-most influential language contribution of 2003-04, the Global Language Monitor says. But months ago, even the woman who contributed it, Beyonce, was saying she never wanted to hear it again.

My baby's daddy - Not originated by Hollywood but co-opted by it and turned into another flimsy excuse for a movie, called, eloquently enough, My Baby's Daddy. The phrase should now fade away as fast as the movie, released in January, did.

Bling-bling - Blah-blah, bore-bore, bye-bye.

Dawg - First step toward obliteration: Putting a muzzle on dawg-loving American Idol judge Randy Jackson.

Punk'd - If Ashton Kutcher is looking for his next publicity stunt to keep his career going, he should issue a press release saying this word is being put out of circulation along with his same-named MTV show.

Ripped from the headlines - The only TV shows not promoting themselves as being "ripped from the headlines" are the ones that should be: newsmagazines. But they're too busy trying to get yet another interview with Mel Gibson.

My big fat (obnoxious Greek fiance's wedding, or whatever) - Thin needs to be in again.

Let's head this one off at the pass:

You're fired - It took us only slightly longer to tire of Donald Trump's Apprentice kissoff than it did "wardrobe malfunction."

Word to watch:

Aramaic - One of the languages spoken in The Passion of the Christ, the word is beginning to be used in place of "bling-bling," the Global Language Monitor says. This makes sense when you think of all the money Gibson is making off the movie.

- Sharon Fink can be reached at 727 893-8525 or fink@sptimes.com

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