Time magazine has apologised for including the word "feminist" in its poll of words that should be banned in 2015.
The magazine's managing editor Nancy Gibbs issued the following apology, which now precedes the poll itself:
"Time apologises for the execution of this poll; the word ‘feminist’ should not have been included in a list of words to ban.
"While we meant to invite debate about some ways the word was used this year, that nuance was lost, and we regret that its inclusion has become a distraction from the important debate over equality and justice."
Time's apology comes after many expressed outrage that the word "feminist" was included phrases like "said no one ever" and "obvi" as a word to ban next year.
Many on Twitter accused the magazine of being outdated...
While many others pointed out why the word feminism needs to exist.
An online petition was even started, asking members of the public to sign if they were offended by Time's suggestion.
"Aside from the fact that free speech is a human right (and thus asking to ban any word is ludicrous), Time should remember the word 'feminism' refers to a philosophy filled with varying viewpoints and perspectives on gender issues," the petition states.
"Placing it next to slang words like 'yassss,' 'obvi,' 'om nom nom,' 'turnt' and 'literally' is outrageous. Feminism is not a buzzword; it's a movement with decades of history.
"Feminism seeks to free women of gendered societal oppression by increasing individual choice, educating about bodily autonomy, seeking equal justice under the law, and ending strict gendered expectations - yes, including those made of men."
The petition has received 23,868 signatures, and counting.