You know that feeling when you’ve been using a word for so long that it practically becomes a part of your personality? For me, that word is “cacophony.” Just the sound of it conjures up a symphony of discord that is so “perfect” for describing life’s little disasters. Yet here I am, contemplating whether I could ever give it up. I feel like Rick Astley himself would leap into the room, singing, “Never gonna give you up…”

But maybe there’s another word that’s overstayed it’s welcome. Let’s talk about “dude.” Yes, “dude”. It’s my go-to in serious meetings, because why not add some levity when we’re knee-deep in data analysis or figuring out grant budgets? “Dude, did you check the spreadsheets?” works in my world. But sometimes, I wonder if the professionalism gods are side-eyeing me with judgment. Can I drop “dude”? Maybe…but the joy of the word is almost too much to resist. And, isn’t “dude” kind of a chameleon? It can mean so many things. That’s versatility, right?

But here’s the thing: could I function in meetings without it? Maybe. “Dude” may need to retire in exchange for, I don’t know, “colleague”? “Friend”? Nah, let’s be real. I’ll probably just replace it with another playful word.

But, “cacophony?” Dude, that’s here to stay.