Well isn’t that an ominous word?  But I couldn’t very well write ‘twilight’, since that induces immediate recognition of the novel/movie.  So I chose the next synonym which came to mind, and that synonym was gloaming.

Other words which have become irritatingly monopolized would be, ironically, monopoly.

So here’s a quick list:
Monopoly
Twilight
Ironic
Random

Monopoly?  The game.
Ironic?  Well, we can thank Miss Morissette for that one.
Random?  When you really do need the word for it’s specific purpose, it’s all used up with people spouting off “well that’s random”.

Is this beautifully accurate language of ours becoming dysfunctional?  I must admit that I cringe every time a new verbal trend comes along.  It usually consists of a helpful, one-of-a-kind descriptive word, used in the wrong way (remember perfect)?.  I am in nearly constant fear that some of my other favorite words are going to end up exclusively assigned to something lame.

Yep.  Me and Lynne Truss.