The Pink Flamingos director, renowned for his transgressive arthouse films, says he hates the phrase as it is "overused" by privileged stars.
Waters believes only people fleeing war zones have the right to use it.
He told People magazine: "Whoever gets the parts ... if they ever use the word 'journey', I never hire them.
"I hate that word. It's so overused, especially in LA. You're not on a journey.
"People that are escaping Ukraine are on a journey, not winning the (Independent) Spirit Award."
Waters, 78, added when he looks back on his career and life his biggest regret is smoking.
"One regret in my life is smoking cigarettes. It's terrible. I know many of my friends are dying of cancer right now.
"I haven't had a cigarette in 7782 days - roughly. I write it down every day. But I smoked five packs a day.
"Not always, but long enough. Camel Cools. Oh, even saying that word makes me cough."
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